EDINA, Mo. (WGEM) – Knox County R-I Schools took a step toward improving its students’ and staff’s mental health Monday morning — by introducing a new staff member.
Enter Floki, the district‘s first ever therapy dog. He is a 15-month-old English Labrador retriever, and was in training to be a therapy dog since he was a puppy.
Named after a Viking known for building ships, Floki was introduced to a packed gymnasium full of students from elementary to high school. His arrival was accompanied by the fanfare of the school band and cheerleaders.
School superintendent Andy Turgeon, who helped introduce Floki to the school, told WGEM the therapy dog came in at a great time. He said students are going through an assortment of challenges.
“There’s so much more going on in their daily lives now, with the introduction of technology and social media, and going through the pandemic. There’s just so much more that they’ve been exposed to,” said Turgeon.
Stress from those causes and beyond is something Floki can sense, he said.
“One of his great abilities is to be able to sense students’ feelings, if they’re stressed out or if there’s something that’s not right with that student,” said Turgeon.
The discussion to bring in a therapy dog to Knox County R-I Schools began a little over two years ago, according to the superintendent.
The elementary school counselor will be beside Floki throughout the school days. She said the connection between dogs and humans is special, and that’s especially the case when it comes to younger kids.
She said it is something that will help everyone.
“Sometimes, students will talk to dogs or animals before they’ll talk to humans,” said Amy Miller. “So, it’ll give them that release and help us create a better sense of wellbeing for them.”
Miller noted seeing more young students living with mental health issues as of late. She expressed hope that Floki will help alleviate some of those concerns for students.
“More and more students are being diagnosed with anxiety, depression, mental health disorders at younger ages. And so, I think he can be a great service,” said Miller.
Floki will be available at school every day for students and staff to visit with.
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