What are the benefits of having a school dog(s)?

• Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of therapy dogs in schools. Therapy dogs have been working in schools across the nation for quite some time now. This is the first therapy dog at HTS.

Evidence indicates that benefits include:

● Cognitive- companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving and game playing.

● Social- a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing, and focused interaction with others.

● Emotional- school dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety.

● Physical- interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses.

● Reading- reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence, through both the calming effect the dog’s presence has on children as well as the fact that a dog will listen to children read without being judgemental or critical. This comforting environment helps to nurture children’s enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence to read aloud.

Some challenges to consider:

My child is allergic to dogs.

• It is understandable that some of you may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. However, Hank has been and will be subjected to the most thorough cleanliness and grooming regime. He will also only be allowed in situations with pupils who voluntarily wish to work with him. Hank will also be located primarily in the main office and away from the classrooms. He will work with students in one on one or small group capacities, in specified areas, so the possible spread of dander is limited throughout the building. If you would like to request that your student does not work with Hank, please contact the main office and let us know so that we can make the appropriate accommodations.

Will Hank be properly cared for?

• Hank will be extremely well looked after, and will be working with Mrs. Kuchta at school a couple days each week. He will stay safely in the office until proper acclimation has been completed. He will then begin by meeting with students in small groups settings, and may even spend time listening to pupils read in a controlled setting. No matter where he is working, he will always be accompanied by a trained adult. He will continue to undergo his rigorous training courses and will be extremely well-behaved. Hank will be assessed daily before coming to school utilizing the Daily Checklist that is part of our board policy for the program. While Hank is in the school, he will have access to a space in his home area where he can relax during the day located in the main office. This is where he will spend most of his time initially. He will also visit the vet regularly for all of his vaccinations as well as regular check-ups. If Hank is unwell for any reason, he will stay home for the day and be reassessed the following day before returning.

My child is scared of dogs.

• Some children may have had upsetting experiences and thus have a fear of dogs (or other animals). Hank will only be in contact with children that want to work with him. He has completed training that helps him to remain calm and be gentle around children. This training is ongoing and will continue to take place for as long as he is a school based therapy dog. Experience and research has shown that with proper guidance and handling, children can learn to overcome their fear of animals and grow in respect and appreciation for them. If for any reason you would like to opt your student out of the therapy dog program, please contact the school and we will add them to our no contact list.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Hank to the Holy Trinity School family, and embrace all that he has to offer the school. More information about this can be found by visiting the Bright and Beautiful website at: https://golden-dogs.org/