photo by: Craig Howell
Clara, a chocolate Labrador retriever, was welcomed to Weirton Elementary Friday. Clara, provided through the Friends with Paws initiative, will serve as a therapy dog at the school.
Students and staff at Weirton Elementary have a new four-legged friend calling the school home, and providing comfort when needed.
Clara, a chocolate Labrador, was introduced to the school Friday, during a “pup” rally. Provided through the state’s Friends with Paws program, an initiative championed by West Virginia first lady Cathy Justice, in cooperation with Communities in Schools, Clara has secretly been spending recent days learning her way around the school.
“She’s been training in the school for almost a week,” explained trainer Jolene Rashley of Ultimate Canine, an Indiana-based organization providing specialized training for dogs. “Clara is a trained therapy dog. She’s kind of a new employee at the school.”
According to Rashley, Clara will be available to provide comfort to the school’s youth, and has been taught to give snuggles, sit with the youth and even give them someone to talk to, if needed.
“She’s a really good listener all around,” she said.
CIS Coordinator Kristin Bowman-Cross explained there were a series of clues given to the pupils ahead of Friday’s rally to see if they could figure out the surprise behind their new friend.
On Monday, they were told it was something furry and friendly. Tuesday, they were told the surprise would wag its tail and love to play. On Wednesday, they were told it wasn’t a cat or a bear, but has fur and really cares and is trained to help. Thursday’s final clue was that the surprise doesn’t bark much or make a fuss, but loves to help, bring comfort, love and cheer.
As part of Friday’s “pup” rally, fourth-grader Tessa Metzger spoke about the benefits of having a therapy dog, saying it will help to calm the nerves of students, and assist with social and emotional skills.
“This is perfect for a school like ours,” she said.
Clara won’t stay at the school full-time, though. Teacher Angela Myers has offered to care for the canine, with her family welcoming her into their home.
Additional support is being provided by Andrew Ryan of Poofree Booty Grooming and Hilltop Animal Hospital, for Clara’s grooming and veterinary care. Tractor Supply has provided food for Clara as she begins her move to Weirton, but Bowman Cross noted the school will be reaching out to the community for donations as more food and supplies will be needed.
Jonette Aracich, of Sweet Stitch Co. has offered to provide collars for Clara, and Rachel DeCaria Photography has offered support.
Superintendent of Schools Dan Enich offered thanks to Justice, as well as to Bowman Cross, saying she did much of the work to arrange for the program’s arrival at Weirton Elementary.
According to information from the Office of the First Lady of West Virginia, the Friends with Paws program is set to culminate with 45 therapy dogs placed in schools across West Virginia.
Brooke Middle School welcomed its own friend with paws in February, a golden shepherd also named Clara.
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