CHILDREN at St Joseph's have been left devastated after Teddy, their school therapy dog has died.
The cute little Scottish terrier was one of a collection of animals cherished by the Winsford pupils.
Children at the Catholic primary school on Woodford Lane rescued battery hens and gave them all names including Goujon, Nugget, Kiev, Satay, Korma and Balti.
Pupils Amelia Do, Ted Butterfield and Izzy Butterfield with headteacher Martine Gum
Pupils also have stick insects and rabbits named Pie and Casserole
Headteacher Martine Gum said: "Yesterday our beautiful school therapy dog Teddy passed over the rainbow bridge. We are all devastated to have lost our cheeky, quirky, special little friend. Our love and thoughts are with Mrs Rees and Ethan who doted on Teddy. Run free Teddy."
Teddy, a friendly and loving dog, joined the school in September 2017 and loved being around the children.
"Our school therapy animals help us to provide emotional support for our pupils," said Martine.
Pupils Ted Butterworth, Amelia Do and Izzy Butterfield with the rescue hens
Teddy visited all the classes and worked with some pupils on an individual basis to provide friendship and confidence.
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Children took part in various activities with Teddy, including petting him, brushing him, reading to him, confiding in him as well as taking him for walks around the school grounds.
Teddy provided a listening ear without any judgement and helped pupils to recognise their own strengths and skills.
There is a great deal of research to show that there are many benefits from using a school therapy dog. They can enhance psychological development, improve social skills and increase self-esteem. Dogs can also teach responsibility, compassion and respect for other living things.
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