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Paws, Progress, and Promise: Celebrating 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

Willow cuddles are the best!...

Fur-Friends Forever

A unique initiative utilising support dogs is impacting Pacific learners in Porirua and Upper Hutt, providing individualised support to help tamariki thrive in busy classrooms and modern learning environments while fostering empathy, resilience and confidence....

Remembering Teddy

Writing about Teddy has been one of the hardest things to begin. Teddy was more than just a pet—he was family, a cherished friend, and a source of unconditional love and joy that touched not only our lives but also the hearts of so many in our community. Reflecting on his life and the warmth he brought feels overwhelming, but it’s a step toward honoring the memories he’s left with us all. Every wag of his tail, every quiet cuddle, every student he shared a moment with are pieces of him tha...

Sensory modulation training framework development: Teddy’s inspirational contribution at Te Pou

Teddy, our beloved support dog, had an extraordinary day collaborating with the Te Pou team on the development of Te Pou’s groundbreaking training framework on the application of sensory modulation across the health sector. The Ted's Space team were super excited to collaborate with like-minded experts in sensory modulation, who understand the value of supporting our most vulnerable individuals and foster holistic well-being. Working alongside such minds was truly enlightening for Teddy, ...

Happy Easter from Teddy and friends

Happy Easter to all our Ted's Space friends and families.  Teddy and Daisy are enjoying a few days break, time to lie on the couch and have a little snooze!Teddy has had a very special week introducing the Ted's Space Weighted dogs to our friends at Papakōwhai School.  These weighted dogs are an amazing tool for our young learners when Teddy can't be at school or in their classroom when support is needed.  The weighted dogs provide key sensory modulation, providing tactile feedba...

🐾 Teddy and Daisy: Dynamic Duo Spreads Joy at School! 🐾

Today was an extra special day at school as Teddy and Daisy, our beloved furry friends, got to spend the day together, spreading love and happiness wherever they went! From cuddles to tail wags, these two adorable pups brought double the joy to all our students and staff.With their wagging tails and gentle nuzzles, Teddy and Daisy worked side by side, offering comfort and support to anyone who needed it. Whether it was lending a listening ear during story time or sharing their calming presence d...

Welcome Back to School Teddy - Term 1, 2024

As our Ted's Space schools return for the start of the new year, Teddy and the Ted's Space team were super excited to be heading back to see our old friends and also to meet lots of new students.  We have also added a new school to our weekly visits - so we are a little busy! Our first lunchtime visit was filled with squeals of delight as the word 'Teddy is here' quickly spread across the playground and excited children came running to see their furry friend.  It was awesome to hear ou...

Back to School: How to help your child cope with anxiety

Heading back to school can be a stressful time for students and pupils are more anxious than ever after the Covid years. Gianina Schwanecke reports....

Enhancing learning opportunities and wellbeing through animal therapy

Every Wednesday lunchtime, Papakowhai school children wait patiently at the school gate, waiting for Ted to arrive. As the dog; a small, white spoodle, and his owner, Elizabeth arrives, excited murmurs rise among the children. “It’s Teddy!” yells one. “Can I please pat Teddy?” say others excitedly.  Even this, wherein the children ask for polite permission forms a lesson; the first of many learning opportunities Ted will provide over the next few hours. “I encourage all chi...

Small dogs removing big learning barriers for kids

The nine-year-old blond spoodle is one of three dogs that teacher Elizabeth McKee takes into primary schools across Upper Hutt and Porirua, as part of the charity Ted’s Space....

Teddy recognised in Wellington K9 Gold Awards

The Wellington Gold Awards in association with The Post celebrate excellence and enterprise of businesses in the Greater Wellington Region and Horowhenua.In 2022 Teddy was nominated for and won the the K9 Gold Award. ...

Kea Kids News: Therapy dog Teddy takes lead in the classroom

Learning is a lot more fun for students at Pinehaven School, thanks to their special helper Teddy the spoodle.Teddy is a therapy dog, which means he helps people who are feeling sad or stressed by keeping them company and providing plenty of cuddles.He visits the Upper Hutt school three mornings a week, but Kea Kids News reporter Mark Hayward, 9, finds out he gives more than just hugs. He also helps with maths games, reading and is even the playground monitor.See Teddy in action in the...