ZANESVILLE – Mazey the golden retriever is reporting for duty as a facility dog serving Philo High School and its 413 students, according to a news release from Purina Zanesville.
Mazey completed four months of on-site therapeutic training through Paws With A Cause (PAWS) to learn vital social-emotional skills to work with school children.
Facility dogs, like Mazey, are working dogs specifically trained to help people in facilities like schools or hospitals. Unlike assistance dogs that serve one person, professionally trained facility dogs work with a trainer or handler to serve multiple people who need social interaction, recovery motivation, comfort and a feeling of safety.
“It is an honor to support the community with Mazey,” said Nabor Carino De Leon, factory manager of Purina Zanesville, which sponsored Mazey. “Thank you to PAWS for helping Mazey complete the necessary training to become a facility dog for our local students. I have no doubt she will be a great asset and positively impact the mental and emotional health of many young lives.”
“PAWS facility dogs are a great addition to any organization. They are able to provide a level of unconditional love, understanding and patience quicker and at a level that most people can’t. Mazey will be a great support piece at Philo High School, not only for the students, but also for the staff and families. A bright spot in everyone’s day,” said Kelly Wass, purposeful placements coordinator of PAWS.
PAWS has been placing service and facility dogs for 44 years. In 2023 alone, PAWS placed 28 facility dogs and hopes to exceed that number in 2024. Purina donated $5,000 to fund Mazey’s facility dog training and certification and thanks to her on-site training, Mazey has already formed strong relationships. She is sought out by students daily and is looking forward to the 2024-2025 school year.
“She will be incredibly helpful and a great resource for the social-emotional well-being of the kids, and even the staff, at Philo High School,” said Kelly Mock, Philo High School counselor. “She works in the high school, but we’re looking forward to having her support our other student buildings in the future.”
To learn more about the program, visit purina.com/mentalhealth.
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