How rescue dog Harper is transforming Leicester school

A dog rescued from Cyprus is transforming the education of children in Leicester, a school has said.

Rushey Mead Primary School has adopted Harper the Labrador as its therapy dog to help pupils.

Harper, aged four, spends most days at the school where she has become a companion to its 500 students.

She is often found at the school gates meeting and greeting pupils and parents but also lends a paw in the classroom.

Harper’s owner and the school’s senior assistant head teacher, Natasha Jackson, said she got Harper, as a pet through the Underdog International charity, from a family in Cyprus who were unable to give her the time and care she needed.

“She has really established herself as our therapy dog,” Miss Jackson said.

“She has worked with a range of children, listening to reluctant readers read, supporting a little boy who is registered blind and wants a guide dog when he is older, teaching children how to handle and behave around a dog.

“The kids love their Harper Time, whether it’s snuggling up on a bean bag for a read or whether its playing catch at break time.

Miss Jackson added: “You can see how she has transformed learning for many of the children.

“There are some children who have had problems at home and they have said how much she is a comfort to them.

“She’s really, really good with our SEN (special educational needs) kids. She’s able to sense the mood and know if she needs to be calm and gentle.”

Tashvi, one of the pupils who reads with Harper, said: “I like it when Harper lies on my feet when I read to her.”

Fellow pupil Kalan said he loved walking round the playground and playing catch with her.