Meet Stitch, the bearded dragon turned therapy animal!
Meet Stitch, our new addition to the Animal Assisted Intervention therapy team! Sporting a shiny coat of scales and an impressive set of spikes, he's not just a pet; he's a learning partner.
Stitch was recently acquired with help from kind donations from supporters of the Together Trust. He is a feisty bearded dragon that enjoys lounging under the heat lamp in his deck chair, snacking on tasty crickets and meeting new friends. Ran by our award-winning practitioner, Danielle, Animal Assisted Intervention brings students from Inscape House School and Ashcroft School in contact with friendly animals in order to improve students' mental, physical, social and emotional functioning.
Students have been very excited and welcoming to their new therapy animal.
John says "Stitch climbed on me twice yesterday. He is a wriggly bearded dragon but I was brave enough to keep holding him safely!"
Usual care tasks for Stitch include cleaning his cage, refilling his snacking stations, making sure the temperature in his vivarium is just right, giving him baths, and showing him plenty of love.
Animal Assisted Intervention is also a great tool to encourage students to think more about their emotions. Through a variety of games like conversation cubes, Danielle fosters a welcoming environment where students aren't afraid to share how they feel. Alfie explains that touching the tortoises and playing with them makes him feel calm and more relaxed at school.
Do you want to hear more about how Animal Assisted Intervention helps students? Watch our video below.