Therapy dogs are trained to provide support, comfort, and affection to people and can often be found in hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, disaster areas, and schools. The students of Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson High Schools were recently introduced to their new therapy dog, Ivy. Ivy has worked hard to gain her position but she won’t have to put much effort into earning the students’ affection.
To become a therapy dog Ivy had to undergo training.
“Ivy had to pass three assessments,” said Dr. Carrie O’Donnell-Brink, Secondary Special Education Specialist. “First, she had to pass the Canine Good Citizens test. This test is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners.”
Examples of good manners for Ivy can include walking through a crowd, being in control in public on a leash, and having positive reactions to noise and people. Then Ivy had to go through a control evaluation.
“We chose to go through Love on a Leash. Some examples of this evaluation include; does the dog allow petting including having its head, ears, feet, and tail touched? Does the dog show aggression towards others? (if this was the case, she would not pass),” said O’Donnell. “Finally, Ivy and I had to complete 10 hours of supervised visits.”
The supervisor who watched Ivy had to assess how Ivy interacted with others while visiting.
“After this step, I completed the application packet for Love on a Leash to become a certified therapy dog team,” O’Donnell said.
Ivy’s adorable and calm nature can help those who need her help. When students come to pet Ivy she will then smell her new friend. She likes meeting and seeing students in the hallways and enjoys walking the students to class. Since Ivy is new to the therapy dog world her schedule is still flexible. She will be at AL one day a week, Tuesday or Thursday. Ivy will try to be out during passing periods and can be requested to visit classrooms.
“Ivy can help bring comfort and joy to students. Ivy is in tune with how people are feeling and can help someone regulate their emotions,” said O’Donnell-Brink.
