Last week, I introduced a regular segment on Say Hello Spot I call Coco’s Report. For new readers just tuning in, Coco’s teammate Michelle is the middle school principal at the Robert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts, where she is fortunate to be able to bring her Bright Spot Therapy Dog Coco with her to work on Fridays as the school’s official Therapy Dog. Since Coco started at the school as the official Therapy Dog, she has brought comfort and caring to many students and staff members. Michelle enjoys sharing Coco’s amazing work with me each week, and she has agreed to letting me share it with my readers.
This week, Coco took over. Normally, I’m not one for reading things written in the dog’s voice. They often come off as corny. Coco’s reporting is far from that. It is eloquently written, showing us how capable she is in doing what comes naturally to her. I hope you enjoy reading Coco’s report as much as I do.
This is Coco – Mom let me take over her computer. I am almost done with my very full and rewarding 15-hour day with her at school today! It went like this:
I met with several teachers and custodians before school even started, and I worked on some obedience with Mom. I went outside with Mom to greet some of the students as the buses dropped them off, and then I went onto a few of the buses to visit with the bus drivers. The drivers pet me and hugged me and let me give them kisses. They were very excited to see me and to spend time with me, and I was happy for the attention.
All together, I worked directly with 40+ students, some in small groups, and many 1:1. One boy came down and talked about a chocolate lab he used to have. He has cats now, but is hoping for another lab some day. He snuggled with me as he talked to Mom. Another boy talked to Mom and me about how he had been sick all week, but seeing me made him happy and helped him feel better. He hugged me and thanked me repeatedly for just being there.
Mom and I were part of a learning station in a classroom today. Students were learning the characteristics of “tame” animals versus “wild” animals – obviously, I was an example of a tame animal. Students had a question sheet and, as Mom answered their questions, she and I demonstrated different aspects of being tame (i.e. Will Coco do what you tell her to do? Mom said that I do – I guess she didn’t want to say that I USUALLY do…and Mom and I demonstrated some obedience).
I was also part of a difficult discussion between two seventh grade girls who had been arguing off and on for a month. They decided they wanted to talk together about the situation. The guidance counselor, Mom, and I sat with them on the floor to work things out. Having me in between them helped them stay calm and gave them a non-threatening ear, I think. I leaned on them as they talked through their differences and came to a resolution. They both pet me as they talked about what was really bothering them – it was like I was the bridge connecting them – Mom says I was a big help for them.
I also helped a boy who was having a tough day feel calmer and focus on the test he had to take. He told me he loved me and that when I work with him he feels better and calmer. He sat on the floor next to me and was able to complete his test. I saw him later in the day, also, as he took another test. He pet me and talked to me as he made his way through the test.
I met so many students I had not met before. One girl talked to Mom about her new puppy as she looked into my eyes and stroked my ears. She is very shy, but having me there helped her open up to Mom and the other student who was with us, and she smiled the whole time she was visiting with us.
So many teachers came to find me today when I was in the behavior specialist’s room or with Mom – they say it makes them happy to spend time with me. It makes me happy, too, which is why my tail constantly wags when I am at school with Mom.
I was going to meet Dad so he could bring me home at 4:00 or so, but I ended up staying with Mom at school – we are hoping to leave by 9:00 p.m. There was a dance that she needed to stay for, and she let me stay with her. I spent some time on obedience training in the halls, and I got to visit with more teachers and custodians before the dance began. While the dance finishes up, I am spending time in Mom’s office napping.
Next week, I am probably going to go to work with Mom on Wednesday AND Friday because there are so many students (and adults) who want to spend time with me. We also have class with Pam Wednesday night at NB Productions, so I hope I am not too tired after working a full day at school!
I really enjoy making so many people happy. Mom says I am a natural at this work – not sure exactly what that means, but I think it is a compliment. I hope you enjoy this pictures – they are from the school website. ~Coco
I can’t wait to receive another one of Coco’s reports next week. We all have much to learn from this very special Bright Spot Therapy Dog.