Students, staff, and parents, too, love having Bright Spot Therapy Dogs Coco and Molly at the Robert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts. I especially love reading what parents have to say about the dogs at school. I’m thrilled, too, that Molly has been thoroughly embraced by the school community, just as Coco has. Two gentle, nonjudgmental, non-threatening Therapy Dogs doing amazing things.
Here’s Coco…
This week was another busy one for me. I went to school with Mom Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Molly went to school on Tuesday and Thursday. We both worked with many students this week.
It seems like there is a nonstop line of people wanting to see Molly and me, visit, walk, or just stop by to say hi. On Tuesday afternoon, a student with a weekly scheduled appointment came down to see Molly and Julie. At the end of his time with Julie, the student opened the door and several students were waiting outside her office, wanting to see Molly. The student shook his head and said, “I think most people come here just for Molly, not actual counseling.” Julie’s reply: “Well, she sure is a nice way to get students to visit the guidance office.” He commented, “Yes. Molly is a great advertisement.”
Julie spoke to a parent this week that wants her to meet her son and possibly find a regular meeting time with him. He is getting overwhelmed as school demands increase. Before Julie could ask if the student liked dogs, his mother said, “And he LOVES animals, so maybe he could talk to you when the dog is there.” The mother couldn’t stop saying how wonderful it is that the dogs work at school. She said, “It’s so nice that you have those dogs there. It can be intimidating for kids to talk about things, especially with an adult. It must be great to have the dogs to break the ice.”
One day this week, when Julie was walking me back to Mom’s office, we passed by a staff member. We stopped so he could talk with me and pet me for a minute. He said how much he loved Coco and how great dogs are in general. “I tell you,” he said, “they change your whole life.”
On Wednesday, Mom and I took a few walks with students even though it was chilly outside. It did feel nice to get the fresh air and to smell all the interesting smells outside the building. Mom and I also met with many students one-on-one and with many in small groups. One boy, whom I mentioned in a previous report, is homeless and seems sad. He gets very excited to see me, and on Wednesday, Mom asked him if he would be interested in a “job” that entailed brushing me (no one else at school does this) and taking me for a walk. He was so excited about this. He actually smiled. I went outside with Mom at dismissal – it is amazing how many students want to pet me before getting on the bus to go home.
Thursday, Mom and I worked until 1:00, when we left so I could go to the vet. I was able to meet with many students with Mom. We met with one boy who talked about spending time with his father this Thanksgiving. He said he hasn’t seen his dad since the summer because of some issues his father is having. He seemed very excited for the upcoming opportunity to see him, and he was happy to talk to Mom and me about it. I also worked with students in the behavior specialist’s room throughout the day. At times, both Molly and I were in that room with up to nine students!
Friday was very busy for Mom. She was in her office almost non-stop from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. interviewing students and re-interviewing them. I did not even get to see her until 3:00 p.m. After her investigation, she had a long meeting. While Mom was busy with other work, I spent the day in the behavior specialist’s room, working with students throughout the day. Additionally, I went to the social skills session in the Transitional Learning Center, and I also visited that classroom later in the day to watch students’ presentations. I took several walks with students, and the student whose job it is to brush and walk me, was able to do so. Mom was surprised to hear that I had been so busy without her. Boy was I happy to see her at 3:00!
After school, Mom and I visited with our friend in the nursing home in Auburn. Several other residents and family members wanted to spend some time with me, and Mom and I obliged. It is very hard to say “No” to anyone who just wants to pet me. Mom and I then met Dad, and he took me home, while Mom went back to school for Fun Night. I am always glad to get home after a full week, but I always enjoy knowing I make so many people happy.
Molly and I had another eventful and productive week. I cannot even begin to imagine my life without work. ~Coco