Lake Illawarra High School and Benson’s story

Martin Moore, Head Teacher of the Support Unit at Lake Illawarra High School applied for an Educational Support Dog in 2012.

He is so pleased with how Benson is doing at the school.

”[He is] positive in many ways, helping students to socialise, to accept responsibility, be a calming influence on the students, and give an incentive to attend school on a more regular basis, and to assist with their emotional and physical well-being, through bonding and caring for the dog.”

Benson helps out in four classes, helping students with a range of different disabilities and emotional needs. When the school day is over, he goes home with teacher Ryan Olender, who gives Benson a normal family life outside of work.