BSHS welcome support pooch Wellie

The new wellbeing co-ordinator at Broome Senior High School has made quite an impression on staff and students.. Six-month-old labrador Wellington helps employees and students to feel good, engage with each other and share positivity. Known to many as Wellie, the pup starts his mornings in the library, playing and training with the early students before it’s time for his nap. BSHS library officer Carol Spark said Wellington had a “particularly placid, beautiful nature” and has been hugely popular. “The kids get so excited coming in every morning, they absolutely love him and at lunchtime you can barely see the library it’s so busy,” she said. “The school psychologist did a big survey and basically 100 per cent of the kids loved him.” Ms Spark said Wellington has helped students who lack confidence to engage in activities and find their voice. “We found a lot of the kids who are normally shy and sit behind their desks were actually coming over to see Wellie and engaging in conversation about their pets and their lives,” she said. “When giving Wellie commands, they learn to speak with confidence in front of their peers and when he responds, their faces light up.” BSHS library teacher Will Spark is married to Ms Spark, and the couple have dedicated their time to training Wellington, ensuring he is in peak condition to spread happiness. Mr Spark said the benefits of a wellbeing dog are not limited to students and Wellington has been helping staff feel better as well. “Sometimes Wellie will venture to student services and administration where it often gets busy, so they can have a moment to relax and enjoy his company,” he said. When he’s not busy sitting, shaking and rolling over, Wellington has a passion for acting and will star as the Devil Dog in a Goolarri Media film The Lost Crystals of Jessica’s Room which is set for release in August. .