Coco ends her report by saying she is exhausted. After reading what this amazing Bright Spot Therapy Dog has been up to this week, you’ll know why. I’d be exhausted, too!
Here’s Coco…
This was our first week back at school after February vacation. It was tough for everyone to get back into the swing of things. I went to school Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Molly went on Tuesday. Mom says having dogs in school helps students, adults, and staff members settle into the routine.
Tuesday was fun – everyone seemed even happier than usual to see me. One student talked to Mom about how terrible her vacation was as she petted me. She lay her head down on me for a few minutes and just took some deep breaths. She and I know each other well, and I can tell how much she needs her visits with me. Another student talked with Mom about her own dog, taking him to the vet, and spending lots of time with him over vacation. As usual, I also spent a significant amount of time in the behavior specialist’s room. Because there are many students who suffer from anxiety and/or depression who spend some or most of their days in there, I provided comfort to all of them. They walked me, talked to me, hugged me, and completed assignments next to me.
One student just started spending time in the behavior specialist’s room on Tuesday. He and I have known each other since he moved to Northborough last year. He absolutely loves dogs, and we have a very special bond. When he moved to Northborough, he had to rehome his dog that he loved very much. Just as I helped make his transition to Northborough easier, I am also helping make his transition into the behavior specialist’s room easier. He spent a lot of time petting me and sitting with me while he completed work.
After school, Mom and I went to the Superintendent’s Office for some meetings. When we arrived, several of the administrative assistants wanted to visit with me. One of them said, Coco, we have missed you… Mom decided that she and I MUST schedule a monthly time to visit with the administrative assistants so they can have more time with me. First, the assistant superintendent, Mom’s principal, and Mom met for thirty minutes, and then the other Northborough administrators and the central office staff joined the meeting, making the total number of participants close to fifteen. When the superintendent first came into the room and noticed I was there, she was so excited! She was hugging me and petting me and decided to sit next to Mom so I would be next to her, as well. She petted me throughout the entire two and a half hour meeting. Mom says my presence made that meeting much less stressful for everyone than it usually is. At one point, as I drifted in and out of sleep, I started snoring. A few people heard and laughed with Mom at the appreciated interruption.
Wednesday was another great day at school. One student, who had a tough time getting in the door without his mother the day before, came right into the office. Mom welcomed him and told him how happy she was to see him. He lit up at the sight of me, gave me a pat, and then headed off for a great day. I also spent some time with the guidance counselor meeting with students, I spent time with Mom and students, and I spent time in the behavior specialist’s room.
After school, Mom and I went to Greenfield and visited with our dear friend in the nursing home there. So many other residents and staff members also like to see me and spend time with me when we are there, and Mom and I are happy to oblige. Even though I was hungry after we said good-bye to our friend and were walking toward the door (and I knew we were headed to the car for me to eat), we stopped to visit with several additional people. Mom says I am very patient in those situations.
Mom was extremely busy at school on Friday. She told me that several students were falling apart for various reasons. Because Mom got so busy with students, I spent more time in the behavior specialist’s room than I generally do. I enjoy my time in there and am very comfortable there. Even when it is cold outside, students in the behavior specialist’s room take me for short walks outside, and they take me for walks inside the building. Mom and I did meet with some students one-on-one, and we spent time in the transitional learning center visiting with students and participating in their social skills class.
I am exhausted from my busy week, but I know that I made a huge difference for so many people this week. I am happy to settle back into my work routine. ~Coco