Ray, is a wellbeing dog at a college. During the week, Ray works so hard bringing comfort and joy to the students, so having special downtime at doggy day care has been so important for his happiness.
Name: Buddy Ray (known as Ray or Raymond at home)
Age: 2 years old
Dog Breed: Working Cocker Spaniel
Bruce’s Centre He Attends: Umberslade Estate
Buddy Ray has a loving, gentle and playful nature. He’s full of energy, always ready for a belly rub or a game of fetch, and has a cheeky, happy personality. He’s a real comfort to everyone around him and brings smiles wherever he goes.
Ray is the college’s wellbeing dog where he supports students and staff across the college.
He works at the Queen Alexandra College (QAC) in Harborne, Birmingham, where he has been part of the QAC team since he was just four months old.
The college supports students with a range of disabilities, including:
He supports the college’s mentors in their roles and attends one-to-one sessions with them.
Some students who find it difficult to attend their sessions will often come in to college just to spend time with him before attending their sessions. His presence helps them feel calm and supported. Buddy Ray also works in several classrooms throughout the week and even has his own timetable!
Having Buddy Ray at the college provides huge benefits for students’ mental health and well-being.
His calm and affectionate nature helps reduce anxiety, encourage communication and increase confidence among students. He’s a vital source of emotional support and a much-loved member of the college community.
Therapy dogs like Ray help the children in many ways, including:
Ray has been a real asset to the college. They even held a competition to name him when he first arrived. That’s how he became officially known as “Buddy Ray.”
His owner Claire, found Bruce’s by chance on Facebook and decided to visit us.
After his induction, Buddy Ray absolutely loved it, so they knew straight away it was the right place for him!
We asked Claire how Bruce’s benefits Ray, this is what she said:
“As a working dog, Buddy Ray has to stay calm, follow routines and focus on people all day. Attending Bruce’s gives him the chance to relax, socialise and just enjoy being a dog. Spending time with other dogs and being away from his work environment helps build his confidence and independence.
He’s trained not to approach people until told to “meet and greet,” so his time at Bruce’s provides a perfect balance, allowing him to unwind, play freely and express his fun, sociable side. He always comes home happy, tired and content! “
Bruce’s has been brilliant for Buddy Ray’s well-being.
Giving him a space to play, build confidence and enjoy time with other dogs. Since joining Bruce’s, Buddy Ray has become much more confident around other dogs and has developed fantastic social skills. Knowing he is visibly happier and more relaxed after his days at day care makes us proud of what we do.
Our aim of letting dogs be dogs in our safe and carefree environments allows working dogs like Ray to find the perfect balance between work and play.
If you have a working dog who needs some additional downtime. Get in touch with one of our team via the form below to find out how to enrol.
If you are the owner of a working dog and are already part of the Bruce’s community, we would love to hear how they enjoy their time at day care.
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