An Assistance Dog for Tor Bank School

About Ruffles

On Monday, 18th November, a new chapter began at Tor Bank School with the arrival of a 4 month old Labradoodle puppy. This marked the start of a heartwarming journey for our entire school community.

For the next year Ruffles will receive intensive training with Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI) whilst based in school. Considering she is still in training and only a puppy, Ruffles has touched our lives in countless ways since her arrival. She provided invaluable support to staff after the unexpected passing of two of our Multi-Sensory pupils within weeks of each other. Just having Ruffles in the classroom, offering cuddles, companionship, and the opportunity for walks when staff needed a break, was a tremendous comfort.

For our medically vulnerable pupils, Ruffles is a source of immense support as she climbs onto class beds and wheelchair users' laps for cuddles and social interactions.

Ruffles has also helped individual pupils with their self-regulation going out for regular walks with them as part of their daily programme.

Birthdays are also a big deal at our school. As part of these special celebrations, pupils get to take Ruffles on a birthday walk around the school grounds while wearing a birthday hat. Ruffles also dresses up for the occasion, sporting her Birthday Bandana.

How your donation helps

Your donation will help us pay for Ruffles intensive training until she graduates as a fully qualified Assistance Dog. It also pays for all of Ruffle’s food and vets bills.