Students and staff at Cockermouth School have been feeling the positive impact of our newest wellbeing initiative: regular visits from Molly, our wonderful therapy dog.
Molly is part of the Pets As Therapy (PAT) programme and has been coming into school twice a week with her owner, Steve, over the past few weeks. Many in our community will already know Steve—not only as a long-standing exam invigilator, but also as a dedicated member of the local hockey club. He has coached and supported Cockermouth School students for over 30 years.
Steve and his family have always had dogs, many of them rescues just like Molly. He first came across Molly online while she was being cared for at Animal Rescue Cumbria’s Wainwright Shelter near Kendal. Now around nine years old, Molly has been part of Steve’s family for two and a half years. Before joining them, she spent her early life as a fully trained gun dog.
In January, Steve began the process of registering Molly with PAT, and she is now a fully qualified therapy dog—something our school community is already benefitting from enormously.
Having worked closely with young people through coaching, mentoring and playing alongside them for many years, Steve has a particular passion for supporting children, especially those with SEND. It is clear that Molly shares this instinct. Her calm nature and incredible ability to connect with students have already made a profound impact.
Molly’s visits help reduce stress and anxiety, build confidence, and encourage positive communication. Each time she walks through the door, we see the difference she makes—the smiles, the calmer conversations, and the special moments of connection.
We are incredibly grateful to Steve and Molly for giving their time so generously, and we look forward to seeing all the ways Molly will continue to support and brighten the lives of our students in the future.