School reverses classroom ban on special needs boy's ‘best friend’ dog after mom lodges protest
MURRAY BRIDGE, AUSTRALIA: An Australian school has reversed its initial decision to disallow a dog in the classroom with its special needs owner after facing a protest from the family. When Logan Reese, a 12-year-old boy from Murray Bridge who suffers from epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy, and an acquired brain injury, was enrolled in high school, the major problem he reportedly faced was the prohibition of his beloved assistance dog, Hunter.
Logan and the labrador have been inseparable for the last six years, Daily Mail Australia reported. Hunter helps the schoolboy in easing his anxiety and also makes him independent. The pet animal also reportedly knows to handle the situation and inform others when the child faces an epileptic seizure.
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‘Hunter is really important to Logan’
But Murray Bridge high school reportedly failed to understand that and told Logan’s mother Murrianna that Hunter could not be inside the classroom since other students may get allergies. The school also expressed its concern regarding the funding for the canine’s handler.
Murrianna, however, did not step back and fought for her son, which eventually resulted in the reversa; of the school’s decision. The mother told the publication, “Hunter is really important to Logan as his support companion to help build his self-esteem. If Logan has a seizure or starts choking, he barks to let adults know that Logan needs urgent help.”
“He also provides comfort and calms Logan in stressful and overwhelming situations and helps stabilize his ability. In Logan's words, 'Hunter is my best friend,’” Murrianna shared.
‘He's now excited about going back’
Murrianna also explained the issues they had to face after the school’s initial decision. She told DailyMail Australia that she thought of either home-schooling Logan or sending her to a private school. “Logan broke down in tears on Tuesday night as it was getting too hard for him,” she said. “He's now excited about going back.”
The mother added, “The school's response didn't surprise me as I've tried to get him and Hunter into other schools in the past with similar responses. But I didn't think it would be an issue as Logan was at his last primary school for three years, which had no issues with Hunter. He actually became a great teaching and learning tool for the other students.”
‘We're willing to work with government’
Earlier, Murrianna also spoke with Sunrise where she said, “The primary school principal has been helping us try to get Hunter over there, talking with them, so she doesn't see a problem with Hunter being there.”
She went on to say, “'We're willing to work with government departments if they stop putting roadblocks in the way. It would be great if we didn't have to fight so hard to get what our kids need.”
Meanwhile, an education department spokesperson has expressed their delight over the final result. They reportedly said, “The school has been supporting Logan with a 1:1 student support officer and are pleased with how he has settled into high school. The dog will now start an orientation after school hours to familiarise him with the school site and dog training will also be provided to other staff as well.”
“These instances can be complex, particularly at a school with 1200 students, so it does take time to ensure other students’ needs, for example, allergies, are also met. We’re really pleased to have worked with the family to identify a positive outcome for Logan and look forward to his continual success at Murray Bridge High School,” the spokesperson concluded.