Tributes pour in for Brighton and Hove school therapy dog

Twelve-year-old boxer Clay had been part of the community at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove for the past six years. He died earlier this month.

Clay was pastoral attendance manager Lisa Amicucci's "right hand man".

Clay and another teacher's dog, Betty, in a convertible (Image: Lisa Amicucci)

The dog was usually found roaming the corridors and classrooms, helping to encourage students to not only come to school but enjoy it.

Lisa said: "He has been such an important part of the community. 

"I've taken him and the children to care homes, nurseries and even to the cinema.

"He helped people overcome their fear of dogs and even helped people come to school who otherwise wouldn't."

Lisa said Clay was 'such a dude' (Image: Lisa Amicucci)

Lisa's job involves looking after the wellbeing of children at the school.

She said: "Sometimes, when the kids wouldn't talk to me I would tell them to sit and talk to Clay and then they'd open up to me after a while too.

"If kids weren't coming to school, I'd take Clay to their house to talk about the barriers.

"There was one girl who started coming into school when we agreed she could come in early to walk Clay."

It was not only pupils who benefited from Clay's presence. Lisa said: "I had staff come up to me and ask if they could just have a couple of minutes to stroke him as they've had a stressful day."

Clay appeared on local TV and as a VIP at Saltdean Lido's dog swim event.

Clay died with Lisa by his side on Wednesday, April 5, after he lost the use of his back legs and was in severe pain.

Lisa shared the news of Clay's death on his dedicated instagram account.

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A post shared by Lisa Amicucci (@claymondo)

She said: "I put a thing up on Instagram about Clay passing away and a boy sent me a message to tell me Clay was the best dog he had ever known.

"I said that if I could've bottled up all of his love to share with everyone I would have done and he said there aren't enough bottles in the world for this."

Some pupils would see Clay on a daily basis while others saw him in passing in the corridors.

But Lisa said Clay, who even had his own school uniform, was everyone's dog.

She held an assembly to share the news with students.. A letter written by Lisa and said to be from the beloved dog was read out. 

I feel that my life was enhanced so much being able to spend time with you all.  I had an amazing time and was able to share my love in so many different ways.

I have such beautiful memories – playing in the snow when we had that mad snowfall back way when.  Working in the care home , singing along with students and the old people. And working at a local nursery helping little people understand the love of dogs. 

I was also able to help students through exam stress and also give love and cuddles when students were sad. 

Teachers used to come and see me every day for a cuddle, I really loved that , every tickle helped. It worked both ways.

I was invited to star in a film about therapy dogs and was given VIP treatment and a VIP guest at Saltdean Lido doggy swimming– and this was all because I was your school dog.

I had a calling from the Angels at Rainbow Bridge and so  I guess this is where I say arrivederci, that means goodbye but I will see you again in Italian, I will always be with you, watching over you

Now the lead will be passed on to Lisa's wirehaired sausage dog Woody, who will be helping Newman pupils in Clay's place.

Woody (Image: Lisa Amicucci)

Claire Jarman, school principal, said: "Clay became such a familiar face in the school, he genuinely changed the dynamic in every room he entered.

"I can remember him coming in to an Ofsted meeting several years ago with the stern-faced inspector suddenly breaking into a smile and talking to him in dog speak. It really broke the ice. 

"The place won't be quite the same without him. When everyone is ready we will think of a fitting tribute to his kindness, his unconditional love and his wonderful gentle presence."