Two furry faces have become beloved fixtures in the Phelps-Clifton Springs School District this year, bringing smiles, comfort, and calm to students and staff alike. Toby, a five-year-old Golden Doodle, and Willis, a two-year-old silver Labrador, are serving as therapy dogs in the district’s elementary and secondary schools.
Toby, who lives with retired elementary teacher Julie Bellomo, primarily spends time in the elementary library, while Willis, who resides with teachers Ben and Sarah Clement, is stationed in the high school, often during high-stress times like exams and holidays.
“(Willis) is here during the stressful times for kids. We know those times, and can plan ahead,” said Ben Clement. “Kids like him.”
Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support, reduce stress, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Both Toby and Willis were trained and certified by RocDog, an organization specializing in therapy dog training and community placement.
Bellomo recalled a touching moment with a student who had been feeling down. “We had a little girl who was so sad one day, but when we came into the library, she told [Librarian] Ms. Bradley, ‘My heart is happy now that Toby is here.’”
To earn their certifications, both dogs underwent extensive training, including obedience exercises and specialized therapy instruction. Toby holds Intermediate and Advanced Canine Good Citizen certificates and has visited SUNY Brockport, Monroe County’s 911 Communications Center, and local assisted living facilities. Willis, also a certified therapy dog, frequently visits veteran events and community markets.
Commands like ‘place’ and ‘release’ are common in Willis’ high school setting, where he spends time in the woodshop near Mr. Clement’s desk, always with his signature “emotional support tennis ball” nearby. Toby, meanwhile, can often be found comforting young students or roaming the hallways, where he’s greeted with enthusiasm.
Both handlers agree that therapy dogs don’t have a set job but instead go where they’re needed most.
“If you’re having a bad day, Willis makes it better,” said sophomore Kenny Baker.
Whether it’s a student hiding under a desk or a sixth-grader who eagerly anticipates Toby’s visits, the presence of these therapy dogs has had a noticeable impact on the school community.
“Every time I am in here, you can see the change,” Bellomo said. “Behaviors change. Upset kids pet Toby or hug Toby, and they calm down.”
As Toby and Willis continue their work at Midlakes, staff members hope to find even more ways to integrate the dogs into school routines, ensuring their calming presence reaches as many students as possible.
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