Since COVID-19 hit British shores, 3.2 million pets have reportedly been purchased. Animals provide a valuable sense of companionship and a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, fish, birds and horses have helped many people cope psychologically through the pandemic.
An attentive canine (this one’s called Muffin) can boost a shy reader’s confidence.
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As an educator and specialist in the involvement of animals in schools, my research shows how children’s social and emotional development can benefit from interactions with animals, but also looks at how we can ensure that the wellbeing of learners and animals is considered.