IN what is believed to be a first for the Scottish Borders, Priorsford Primary has a new arrival. Reporter Hilary Scott went along to find out more...

PRIORSFORD Primary School welcomed a new addition to the register this week, and she goes by the name of Peggy.

As I signed in at the school, I note the reason for my visit as meeting Priorsford’s new pupil who will be joining Mrs Sharp’s P6 class.

But Peggy isn’t your average pupil. In fact she’s really quite unique in that she’s furry, has four legs, a tail, and is the school’s very own puppy.

So how did this adorable pooch make its way into the lives and hearts of the pupils and staff at Priorsford? Did the pupils ask for a puppy on their Christmas list this year?

I discovered that Peggy was actually on the wish list of teacher Caroline Sharpe, who approached headteacher Sandra Macgregor a year ago with the idea of a therapy dog for the school.

Caroline explained: “We heard about therapy dogs and the benefits they bring to pupils, we wanted to tie it into our health and wellbeing in the school.

“I attended the SSPCA conference and there were people there from universities who had taken therapy dogs into final exams for students.

“Evidence shows that therapy dogs lower people’s heart rate, gives a general sense of well-being and improves children’s socialisation skills. We visited a school in Midlothian who had a Cockapoo puppy and we knew we could make it work for us. She has changed the dynamic of the school.”

Peggy will live with Caroline, but will be in school full-time.

Having settled into her new home at Priorsford Primary this week, Peggy is already the most popular pupil in school.

Despite skipping five primary year-groups to join the P6 class, Peggy is at the very start of her journey to becoming a certified school dog.

“She has settled in well and has already met the pupils at assemblies. My daughter is a vet and told me to expose her to everything straight away. The time between eight and 12 weeks is really important for stamping the personality and the secureness of the puppy,” added Caroline.

Peggy is learning how to become a listening dog, who will help children read aloud more confidently. She will put her head in their lap and listen without judgement, prompting them to turn a page with her paw.

Caroline explained: “Not only will she improve the pupil’s literacy skills, Peggy will be there for any children who are feeling anxious or worried, they can take some time out to talk to her.”

I joined the P4 class in the library as they read the tale of Greyfriars Bobby to Peggy. But she was worn out after a busy morning and children’s soothing reading put her to sleep!

As I wander through the school with Peggy, pupils eyes widen at the sight of the furry bundle and instantly a smile lights up their faces. “I love her Mrs Sharp, she is soooo cute”, cooed one girl.

When it came to naming the puppy, it was decided not to ask the children, who, Caroline said, would have come up with wonderfully unique suggestions.

Before leaving the school, I am given Peggy to cuddle, and for a split second I consider slipping her into my handbag and making a run for it. But a vision of an angry mob in blue chasing me through the playground fills me with fear and I decide she is exactly where she should be.

It is said that dog is a man’s best friend. But at this Peebles school, dog is the best friend of over 400 pupils who have become the proud owners of this gorgeous puppy Peggy, who has brought joy, happiness and love to her new home at Priorsford Primary.