Responsible Pets Program

When Alli first attended our school she was just a pup of 12 weeks old. Now at 3 years she is a seasoned student and member of our 3-4 class. She loves school and is always eager to hop in the car each morning for the 20 minute drive to Walwa.

Alli is part of a special school initiative which aims to help children learn not only about responsible pet ownership but also about the behaviour of dogs, and how to interact with them safely. With Alli as a part of the school community the students learn to respect animals as well as to take responsibility for their care. With the help of a volunteer parent the children are given special instructions on how to carry out basic training. They also begin to understand how dogs respond to their actions. They know that Alli can be scared, excited or naughty just like them and they begin to appreciate how they should act in response.

Alli is also a terrific companion. She is always willing to give cuddles to someone feeling down or to curl up next to a child who is feeling unwell. She loves our walking program too.

The children continue to love her and learn from her. How better to understand about how to look after and treat a pet than to have one on the school grounds.

Alli is our little Aussie Terrier. She is 3 years old and is in Grade 3-4.
Her favourite subject is walking and she loves all ball games.
She doesn’t like Thursday’s Rounders game because we won’t let her chase the ball.
She comes to school by car.
She is always away on Fridays because she has no transport to get to school.
Her favourite food is dog nuts. She doesn’t like bread.
She barracks for St Kilda. (not the Dogs)
Her favourite book is Hatty Potter, she likes the 3 headed dog.
Her favourite movie is K9.
Her favourite song is ‘Who let the dogs Out’
When she grows up she would like to be a Kelpie just like her brothers and sisters.
She would also like to make the world a safer place for dogs and children and teach them all to get along better and not bite each other.