The use of dog for therapy in schools is now becoming a trend in the United States, and have tremendously increased in the East Moline School District 37.
In Glenview Middle School, seventh-grader Evan Schillinger noted that Tinker, a large golden retriever, which belongs to their counselor, reduces his stress and calms him down.
The dog lover added that the thought of having Tinker at school gives him something to look forward to.
Counselor of the school, Shannon Harmon, noted that with Tinker at the school, there had been a lot of positivity. There has also been an additional excitement whenever she’s around.
Other students who also see Harmon regularly have observed great value in having Tinker around.
The kids are aware of the days the dog is there, and they come in on those days to say ‘hi’. This, in turn, helps kids form relationships at school.
Also, when the kids are depressed about something, she calms them down, and their breathing starts to flow, they begin to talk slower and quieter, Harmon noted.
Not only does Tinker help the kids alone, but it also allows teachers too because they all say, “I just need some Tinker Time.”
Tinker has been at Glenview since before Thanksgiving, and she usually attends school three to four times a week.
Another seventh-grader, Cameron Vroman, expressed her joy towards the use of dog for therapy. She said petting Tinker is relieving their stress as well, and that makes the school a better place.
Positive basis for adopting dogs
The positive review of adopting dogs for therapy usage seems to have caught the attention of people. According to Superintendent Kristin Humphries, every school should have therapy dogs.
He said:
“It changes the tenor of a building,” Humphries said. “It really can help kids calm down in different ways. I think animals, especially dogs, make people feel good.”
Tinker had spent six months at Ellsworth Correctional Facility in Kansas being trained by inmates on necessary obedience skills.
She after that spent a year and a half with a foster family and a trainer named Mitch, acquiring her public manners.
Then Tinker, who was part of the CARES (Canine, Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Service) Program, was offered to Harmon, who also had to spend a week with her passing a public access test and getting certified in Kansas.
Other schools following the dog for therapy step
An elementary and middle school district, District 37 now use dog for therapy in two of its six schools; Hillcrest Elementary School and Glenview Middle.
Another therapy dog, Roxi, which was trained by Quad-Cities Canine Assistance Network, has been placed at Hillcrest Elementary School.
Her handler, counselor Alisha Welvaert noted that before Hillcrest, Roxi, had visited libraries, nursing homes, and colleges. Therefore, coming to a school has been a simple change for her.
Roxi is a Labradoodle and has been at Hillcrest for just two days a week during her first two weeks.
Welvaert noted earlier in February that everything is going on well, as Roxi is involved in both individual and group counseling sessions.
In addition, she is helping a particular student deal with grief. Welvaert added that coming for counseling and petting, a dog releases endorphins in the brain, and this helps to have a calming effect.
In summary, it has been noticed that these dogs establish a positive mood at the schools, and using these dogs for therapy can be used to encourage kids to practice a right attitude.
