Some local schools are looking into getting a therapy dog while others already have one.
There are several resources most schools make available for struggling students, but some students do struggle with mental health.
“They have so much going on and they can never get away from it with cell phones,” Windber Area School District director of special education and student services Korie Duryea sayd. “Everything’s always right there at their fingertips so they feel a lot of pressure and it’s constantly there for our students.”
Admiral Peary VoTech and Windber each have a therapy dog.
The executive director at Admiral Peary says their dog Raelyn waits at the door for students coming inside in the morning putting a smile on many faces to begin the day.
Luther also says students struggling with mental health often ask to see Raelyn and just a few minutes later they seem to be in a much better head space.
Luther says he would recommend a therapy dog to districts in the area.
“Having a therapy dog in your school, in your area really makes a huge impact for the students, for the staff, just anybody that walks in,” Luther says. “So far, it’s been absolutely phenomenal. We’ve been able to take students that were maybe going into crisis or on the brink and Raelyn comes in and it just changes the dynamic of the situation pretty quickly.“
Executive secretary and dog handler and owner at Admiral Peary Dawn Becquet also says Raelyn has been an important addition to the staff.
“It makes the world of difference having her around. If a student’s having a bad day they want to come and see her,” Becquet says. “It’s amazing what she has done for us.”
Windber has a dog named Vanna. Duryea says sometimes what the students need is the calming effect Vanna brings.
“Sometimes she just calms them, and they come to school to see her and want to be with her. They look forward to it. If there’s a day she’s not here they’re asking where Vanna is,” Duryea says. “For some of them she’s what they need in the day. It’s not always an adult.”
Duryea adds that there are times students may be more willing to open up to someone after spending some time with the therapy dog and getting in a more relaxing mindset.
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