Meet the new therapy dog at Suncoast

Meet Jasper, the gentle, one-year-old Border Collie that commenced work as a therapy dog at Suncoast Christian College this week, after many months of training and preparation.

He enjoys meeting new people, cuddles and pats. He likes playing with his toys and is always looking for new friends to play with!

Jasper has a lovely long brown and white coat. He is regularly groomed and is pleasant to be around. When Jasper isn’t working, he loves spending time with the other animals at his home, going on adventures with his family and having daytime naps.

About the program

The Therapy Dog Program is a wonderful initiative to support the health and well-being of students in the Suncoast community and similar programs are in place in many schools. Mrs Leanne Abrahams, our VETiS Coordinator, has completed specialised training with Jasper so that together they have become a certified human-canine therapy team.

Principal, Mr Greg Mattiske said, “We are really excited to have Jasper on the team. This is a wonderful initiative that will bring many benefits to our students in terms of their general well-being over time. Just seeing his smiling puppy face gives a boost to your day. I am not sure who is more excited, the staff or the students!”

What will Jasper be doing?

Jasper the Therapy Dog will support student engagement, assist with social skill development, and aid with self-regulation and calming.

Jasper will engage students through individual interventions, small group and class interventions, and visit at various College events. All students and staff will choose to interact with Jasper if they feel comfortable. He will be closely monitored and managed using verbal commands, leads, and a collar to control his behaviour.

Benefits of a Therapy Dog

Research acknowledges the positive impact animals have on our health and well-being. Through the development of the human-animal bond (HAB), we can experience reductions in blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels (associated with love and bonding), a decrease in cortisol levels (stress hormone), among many other beneficial physiological and emotional responses. Since animals are non-judgmental and provide unconditional love, they can assist in increasing the engagement between teacher and student and help as an intrinsic motivator to support participation.

Preparing Jasper for Suncoast

Mrs Abrahams and Jasper have completed an intensive course through Therapy Dogs Australia. Throughout his training, Jasper has demonstrated a high level of obedience and good behaviour, making him suitable to work with children within a school environment.


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By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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