For the past several weeks, Coco has been at home recuperating from surgery. She’s now well-rested and feeling fine. It’s so nice to have this incredible Bright Spot Therapy Dog back at work with the students at Melican Middle School who enjoy her company so much. As always, in her own words, she tells us about her week at school.
Here’s Coco…
It was great having school vacation, but I was happy to get back to work this week, especially since I was home recovering from surgery for the two weeks before vacation.
This week, I went to school with Mom on Monday and Friday, Molly was at school with her mother, Julie, Tuesday and Thursday, and Sophie went on Wednesday. Students enjoy having a dog at school on each of the five days of the week. That will be our plan for now.
I was able to reconnect with lots of students this week, which was great. Many of them asked about my surgery and how I was doing. Mom told everyone I am fine, which I am. As usual, Molly, Sophie, and I spent quite a bit of time in the behavior specialist’s room, calming and comforting many students. Mom says coming back from vacation can be difficult for everyone, especially students who have anxiety and/or depression, and that we helped make the transition back easier. Mom also explained to me that, because Sophie and I accompany her to work, the transition back was easier for her, too. Monday was especially tough for some students, and Mom and I had to go out to the parking lot to coax a student into school. He was petting me and explaining to Mom that he wanted to go home. She reminded him that coming back to school is hard for everyone, but that we can all do it. He reluctantly walked in school with us, and I spent some additional time with him in the school psychologist’s office.
I also hadn’t thought about the fact that several students have difficult lives, and that the vacation and holidays can be difficult for them. Mom says that for some students, school is the most consistent and supportive place for them, and that they really enjoy being there. Because we are such an integral part of the school culture and community, Molly, Sophie, and I are important in making the school a welcoming and positive place to be.
Despite the frigid temperatures this week, I was able to take a few walks outside with students, which was nice. I enjoy listening to Mom talk with students while we are walking. Additionally, Mom and I met with lots of students in her office, talking about vacation, the holidays, and getting back into our routines.
One sixth grade student brought Julie a present this week and explained that she and Molly have helped him immensely. He had a difficult time in elementary school, and a difficult transition to middle school, but he is doing great. He attributes his success to the support Julie and Molly are giving him.
Sophie was also excited to get back to school. Mom says she is doing really well with students. She tends to have quite a bit more energy than Molly or I have, and students like the variety of dogs they get to spend time with.
Overall, our first week back after vacation was terrific. Molly, Sophie, and I helped students settle back into their routines, and we enjoyed being back at work. ~Coco