MIS Welcomes Bonnie: our new Therapy Dog and 1st non-human M Story!
Munich International School is thrilled to announce that Bonnie, a 15-month-old Miniature Poodle, has officially joined our community this week as our licensed school therapy dog. Bonnie is participating in a rigorous accredited therapy dog programme and is ready to begin her journey as a trainee supporting the well-being and pedagogical development of our students. On the school side, the MIS Facilities Management team, specifically Irina Reinhart, has been preparing for Bonnie's arrival by installing dog gates, preparing legal documents, and ensuring compliance with all protocols.
Launching Phase 1: Familiarization and Connection
Bonnie’s introduction follows a structured, phased rollout designed to ensure a smooth transition for both the dog and the school. We are currently in Phase 1, which focuses on Bonnie becoming comfortable with the MIS campus and routines.
During this initial period, Bonnie will be seen on campus during supervision duties with her handler, MYP Coordinator Angela Brassington, to familiarize herself with the environment and the daily flow of school life. Her primary role in this phase will include:
- One-on-one and small group interactions: Bonnie will begin working with students in focused settings to provide emotional support.
- Office Visits: A small volunteer group of students may participate in structured visits to Bonnie's home base in Angela’s office to support her socialization.
- General Campus Presence: Gradually introducing Bonnie to key outdoor areas to help her become a familiar, friendly face to students and staff.
The Role and Benefits of a School Therapy Dog
The implementation of a school dog programme is rooted in research showing that certified dogs can significantly enhance the educational environment. Bonnie’s presence at MIS is intended to:
- Support Emotional Well-being: Interactions with a therapy dog can reduce stress and anxiety, helping students to regulate their emotions and improve focus on their studies.
- Learning Safe Interaction with Dogs: Bonnie will help students develop empathy, responsibility, and teamwork through guided interactions. Students will learn more about canine body language, how to play safely with a dog, and how to care for an animal.
- Create an Inclusive Climate: A school dog helps to build a positive, welcoming school culture and can strengthen the trusting relationships between students and educators necessary for optimum learning.
- Provide Mental Breaks: Simply petting a dog or having a brief interaction can offer a refreshing mental break from the rigors of the school day, putting smiles on students' faces.
Safety and Community Considerations
The well-being of our entire community remains our top priority. Bonnie is a hypoallergenic breed, selected specifically to be mindful of those with allergies. Furthermore, the programme includes strict safety protocols:
- Supervised Interaction: Bonnie will be under the direct supervision of her trained handler at all times.
- Voluntary Participation: All student interactions with Bonnie are entirely voluntary, and we are working to identify students with allergies or phobias to provide alternative options.
- Hygiene Standards: Clear rules are in place, including hand-washing before and after interactions and restricted access to food-handling areas.
We are excited to see the positive impact Bonnie will have as she begins her work. Please join us in giving Bonnie a very warm welcome to the MIS family!