Therapy Dog Bonnie Follows Brother’s Paw-steps to Support Teesside Students
By Community Correspondent
Bonnie the Cocker Spaniel has made her debut as a therapy dog, following in the paw-steps of her brother Brengle in supporting students at Teesside University through Middlesbrough Salvation Army.
The three-year-old proved a natural, offering comfort and cuddles to students dealing with stress and mental health challenges, helping them relax and open up.
Bonnie joins Golden Retriever Brengle, who has been a familiar face on campus for several years as part of the University’s faith advisory service.
In 2023, Brengle was awarded an honorary ‘dog-torate’ in recognition of his contribution to student wellbeing.
Captain Naomi Kelly, church leader at Middlesbrough Salvation Army and a faith adviser at the University, said Bonnie quickly settled into her new role.
“She was a bit excitable at first, but then she realised she was there to cuddle people and that was it,” she said. “She was sitting on students’ laps and leaning into them. I’d never seen her do that before.”
Captain Naomi said Bonnie was more challenging to train than Brengle, but her gentle nature shone through with students. “It was like a switch flipped. She seemed to understand her job was to be a friend and make people feel better.”
Bonnie has completed puppy training and received approval before starting her therapy work. She and Brengle will take turns visiting campus, allowing nine-year-old Brengle time to rest after seven years in the role.
Captain Naomi visits the campus weekly and believes dogs play a powerful role in supporting students.
“People who don’t want to talk to people will talk to dogs,” she said. “That often opens the door to conversations and helps us signpost students to further support.”
Middlesbrough Salvation Army also runs community programmes including homelessness support, debt advice and a charity shop.
