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Therapy dog helps school community in wake of deaths
ABC NEWS (Australia)
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12/16/2023
A tight-knit community on South Australia's west coast is struggling to come to terms with the untimely deaths of two people connected to the local school. But a recent arrival to the town of Elliston is helping with new ways to deal with grief.
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00:00
Hayes the Groodle Puppy is Elliston Area School's newest student.
00:07
He's been helping children in the playground and the classroom to cope with the recent
00:11
death of a classmate and a teacher.
00:13
Since we got Hayes pretty much everyone's been a lot more positive.
00:19
You can pat him and make sure that you're ok I guess.
00:23
Last year seven year old Nya Dudley, a student and daughter of two teachers, died suddenly
00:27
with influenza A.
00:29
Almost a year later this community lost a popular teacher, Simon Baccanello, in a fatal
00:35
shark attack.
00:36
A memorial service was held in May at Walker's Rocks at the site of the attack.
00:41
We've been through some very sad times, it's just been really difficult.
00:45
Jay Dudley says her daughter's death last year was very traumatic for the community.
00:50
That was a real shock to everyone that this could happen here and to someone so young
00:57
and she was really one of those really sparkly people that made a huge impact on everyone.
01:05
But the impact has been eased since the school won Hayes in a competition.
01:09
He's being trained to visit classrooms and rooms among the children at recess and lunchtime.
01:14
After the tragic event it was hard and then Hayes came in and whenever he steps a foot
01:21
in the classroom it just brings joy.
01:23
When he walks into the classroom everyone's like "Oh Hayes!"
01:29
Instant joy.
01:31
It's not just for me, it's for everyone in every single class.
01:36
Everyone has been feeling a bit sad but Hayes just makes everyone feel a bit happier.
01:43
Along with counselling and a wellness program, Hayes is helping everyone here to cope with
01:47
grief.
01:48
It's been a bit of a haze but he's bringing that joy and helping us with our recovery
01:56
that's for sure.
01:59
Joy that deserves a good rest in the Principal's office.
02:02
[BLANK_AUDIO]
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