An Australian school has a new, rather unique, member of staff.
Goulburn High School in New South Wales has appointed Alice, a tamaruke puppy. The dog will act as an emotional support dog for students. The dog is owned by a teacher at the school, Rhiannon Travers.
Travers began doing research in early 2019 into how dogs can help children, especially those who suffer from intellectual disabilities, have behavioral issues, or autism.
The dog is currently undergoing training to help her with her role and will in future be well qualified to help anxious and overwhelmed students.
Australian schools have not yet been ordered to close due to the Covid-19 crisis.