Winnie - Therapy Dog
At our nursery, we wanted to support the well-being of both children and staff. One exciting way we chose to do this was by introducing a therapy dog. A therapy dog can offer emotional support, reduce anxiety, and create a calm, caring environment.
Meet Winnie
Winnie is a Cavapoo F1B—a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy Poodle. She’s 75% Poodle and 25% Cavalier, which means she’s hypoallergenic, doesn’t shed, and has a soft curly coat. Cavapoos are known for being gentle and great with children, making Winnie the perfect nursery pet.
Winnie lives with Linda at home, where she gets lots of love and care. This helps keep her happy, healthy, and ready for her important job at the nursery.
Having a dog in the nursery also gives children the chance to learn how to care for animals. Through activities like feeding and grooming, they develop empathy, responsibility, and important life skills like patience, kindness and respect for animals.
To find the right dog for our setting, our director and owner, Linda, did lots of research. She looked into studies to choose a breed that is gentle, friendly, calm, and hypoallergenic—so it’s safe for all children, even those with allergies. Her thoughtful approach shows our commitment to creating a supportive space where children can grow emotionally and socially.
Winnie is currently training with a professional dog trainer to prepare her before she can carry out the therapy dog training.
