A Mickleover schoolgirl who is waiting for lifechanging surgery to correct a curve in her spine says she ‘forgets all her worries’ when she is with her school’s new therapy dog.
Eleven-year-old Kacey Moon attends Murray Park Community School and is undergoing treatment for scoliosis while she waits for a major operation later this year.
The brave youngster has to wear a rigid back brace for 23 hours a day and says her only distraction from the discomfort is spending time with Bailey, the school therapy dog.
Kacey (11) with Murray Park Community School therapy dog, Bailey.
The Bichon Frise attends the school in Murray Road every Friday to work with children who may be struggling with social, emotional or mental health issues.
Kacey said: “I was diagnosed with scoliosis a few years ago, but every year and every day it gets harder. It’s difficult to walk very far and I have a lot of pressure in one shoulder, so I am in pain all the time.
“The scoliosis stops me doing almost everything because even a slight knock could make the condition worse. It means I can’t walk very far, go to the park with my friends or do any family activities which is heart-breaking sometimes.
“Even sitting causes me pain and I have a special cushion to sit on at school. But the very best hour of my week is when I am with Bailey, because the rest of the time I feel very down. But when I’m with him I forget all my worries and he puts a smile on my face.
Kacey (11) reading with Murray Park Community School therapy dog, Bailey.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with him. He couldn’t come in last week because he was poorly, so I made him a get-well card.
“Quite often I get upset, but Bailey gives me something to look forward. He makes school and my life a little bit better.”
Kacey’s younger sister was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was a toddler and underwent the same operation to straighten her spine.
But Kacey’s condition is more severe than her sister’s and so her spine cannot be straightened to the same degree.
“My little sister’s was diagnosed when she was much younger than me and her spine is almost straioght now – she’s doing carthwheels,” said Kacey.
“If the doctors try to straighten my spine too much I could end up paralysed from the waist down, so I know I won’t be as lucky as my sister.”
Bailey is owned by Theresa Lucas, head of the school’s alternative provision, and was initially bought to support her own daughter who has special needs.
He started attending school every Friday just before lockdown and has recently restarted the weekly sessions where he listens to children read, helps boost their confidence and improves motivation levels.
Theresa said: “In the short time Bailey has been coming into school he has had a real impact, especially on Kacey. He does quite a bit of one-to-one work and listens to year seven pupils reading.
Kacey (11) with Murray Park Community School therapy dog, Bailey
“He helps reduce anxiety and definitely provides an incentive to attend and work hard. Knowing that Bailey won’t judge them helps students to bond with him and the responsibility of being allowed to look after him – by grooming him or holding the lead – is a real motivator.
“Bailey himself loves coming into school and he recognises the students now. On the car on the way into school he’s started crying with excitement, because he knows he’s going to get attention all day.”
Kacey thinks every school should have a therapy dog like Bailey, as he has made such a difference to her life.
“The last few months have been filled with worry and I’ve had tonnes of tests so that I can go through the surgery,” she added.
“Knowing that I will see Bailey in school really motivates me, because he makes me so happy. Every school needs a Bailey and I think Murray Park is really lucky to have him.”
ENDS
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