If you’ve attended training at Time Education & Training, chances are you’ve met one of our most beloved team members. She has four legs, a wagging tail and a remarkable ability to make people feel at ease.
Meet Teko, our student support dog.
A beautiful cream Labrador, Teko is now 12 and a half years old and an important part of the Time Education & Training family. Before joining us, Teko spent five to six years working as a trained guide dog, helping her handler navigate daily life with confidence and independence.
When it was time for Teko to retire from service, CEOs John Heidt and Diane Godwin-Heidt saw an opportunity to give a deserving dog a loving forever home.
‘We had applied to adopt a retired service dog and had been on the waiting list for several years,’ says Diane. ‘When Teko was offered to us, we went through a rigorous adoption process and were delighted to be successful.’
The original plan was simply that Teko would be part of the family at home and accompany John and Diane to work each day. What nobody initially expected was the positive impact she would have on students and staff.
From the moment she arrived, Teko settled in effortlessly. Her calm nature, gentle temperament and natural connection with people quickly became apparent.
One experience, in particular, highlighted just how special she is.
During a training session, Teko paused at the classroom door and quietly surveyed the room. After a few moments, she walked directly over to a young woman and sat beside her.
What Diane didn’t know at the time was that the student was feeling extremely anxious about returning to a classroom environment.
‘The young lady was thrilled,’ Diane recalls. ‘She patted Teko, relaxed almost immediately and was able to settle into the class.’
Afterwards, the student returned to her employer and spoke enthusiastically about her experience, explaining that having Teko nearby had helped ease her anxiety and made her feel comfortable participating in the training.
Research suggests interactions with dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that spending time with a dog can lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and wellbeing. For many people, the simple presence of a calm, friendly dog can make an unfamiliar environment feel more welcoming.
Since then, Teko has become something of a classroom celebrity and most popular member of our student support team!
She loves sitting in on training sessions and has claimed her favourite spot at the front of the room, tucked neatly beneath the projection screen. Students often comment on her in their course feedback and, if she happens to miss a class, people regularly ask where she is and whether she can come in for a visit.
Like with most dogs, there is one small challenge. Teko loves food!
Over the years, many students have taken a liking to her and some have even brought treats specifically for her. While she certainly appreciates the attention, it has contributed to a few extra kilograms that we’re constantly trying to manage.
When she’s not in the classroom, Teko spends her days upstairs with our Quality and Support Services team. She enjoys supervising office activities, accepting pats from visitors and gently nudging staff when it’s time for a toilet break.
At the end of each day, she heads home with John and Diane. Although she is adored by everyone at Time Education & Training, John is undoubtedly her favourite person.
Wherever he goes, Teko follows closely behind, earning herself the nickname of John’s shadow.
As Teko enjoys her retirement years, we’re grateful every day that she found her way into our lives. What began as the adoption of a retired guide dog has become so much more. She brings comfort, connection and plenty of smiles to our workplace and classrooms, reminding us that sometimes the most valuable support comes with a wagging tail.
Teko is a wonderful reflection of our culture at Time Education & Training. We genuinely care about our participants and are committed to creating a training environment where everyone feels supported from the moment they arrive.
For our students, staff and visitors, Teko isn’t just a dog. She’s part of the team.
