This narrative is part of the Wondercide March series called The Lucky Ones, stories of rescued animals. But we've discovered that it's us, the humans, who are the lucky ones, indeed.
In recent years, the presence of therapy dogs in schools has gained significant attention and popularity. These specially trained dogs provide a unique and valuable form of support to students, teachers, and staff. The positive impact of therapy dogs in educational settings is well-documented, and their presence contributes to a more nurturing and inclusive environment.
Back in 2018, the Administration team of Pocantico Hills School began looking into developing a therapy dog program at the school. That's when Wellness Teacher, Mario Suarez decided to write a grant to support Duke, an American Staffordshire terrier mix, adopted by Mario Suarez and his family from North Shore Animal League, and he was to be evaluated for the program. The Pocantico Hills School Foundation was elated to sponsor Duke!
It was a long tedious process of weekly obedience trainings and one-on-one monthly training with a behaviorist before Duke was officially allowed to test for certification. November 4th, 2023, marks Duke's 4th anniversary for acquiring the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen title certification, and Service Dog Trainers Association's Therapy Dog Team!
Over the past four years, Duke has been attending Pocantico Hills School in Sleepy Hollow, New York, an age 3 through grade 8 one-building school located in beautiful Westchester County, New York.
You can see the positive emotional response of students as they are greeted by their four-legged friend each morning off the buses, and the joy in students’ voices as they greet him into their classrooms throughout the day. On many occasions, Duke has been invited to snuggle up so students can take turns reading to him. Some parents have admitted to using Duke as a motivator to get their children out of bed – improving attendance.
The staff at North Shore Animal League were surprised to hear that Duke had turned 11 years old (77 in dog years) this August 2023! It makes us wonder, is it the students, staff or Duke who love the program the most?
