I know many of you have been a follower of Coco’s since she started as my weekly guest blogger writing a full report on the meaningful work she does with the students at the Robert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts. For those of you who are new to my blog and to Coco, let me fill you in…
Coco is a Bright Spot Therapy Dog who goes to work with her teammate Michelle. Michelle is the assistant principal at the Robert E. Melican Middle School. At the urging of the school’s principal, Michelle started bringing Coco to school with her last December. Coco rapidly became a valuable member of the staff, serving as the canine therapist for both students and staff. Once you read about this amazing dog, you, too, will become a follower of her weekly blog posts.
Here’s Coco…
This week, I went to school with Mom Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It was a busy week, with lots of “stuff” going on, but it was terrific as always.
On Wednesday, I started the day practicing obedience with Mom. I love that part of our day because Mom and I walk the halls together, and we have some nice “alone-time” before the day begins. Next, I spent some time in the guidance suite connecting with students, and then I spent time in the behavior specialist’s room with students as they worked to complete assignments before the day began. One student, whom I have become especially fond of, met with his guidance counselor and me. He is new to our school, and he is struggling. His mom moved to Northborough with him and his sister, away from his dad, whom he misses terribly. His golden retriever stayed with his father and, at this point, for reasons I do not completely understand, he is not allowed to see either of them. He has been at our school for two weeks or so, and he is already opening up to his guidance counselor and me. Through tears, he talked about how much he misses his dad and his dog, and petted me. I could tell that the time with me meant so much to him. I know he is connecting with his guidance counselor, but he and I are also connecting. Mom says I have helped him transition to his new school, and that he and I have a very special bond. I met with lots of other students, as well, for walks, talking, and homework completion. At the end of the day, I waited with Mom as students exited the building to board the buses. Before the students left the building, several bus drivers came off their buses to pet me and talk to Mom. Several students talked to me on their way out or gave me a hug before heading home for the day.
After school, I went with Mom to a nursing home to visit with a friend of ours (along with other residents who wanted to see me), and then we went to class. It was our last class, and Mom is giving me an official break from classes, so the class was bittersweet for me. I enjoy class, but I know Mom is right – because of all the other work I do, I need a break from formal classes. My schedule is very full, and taking a break from class makes sense.
I also went to school with Mom Thursday. I met with several students before school started, and then Mom and I traveled to the high school to present to the district’s building administrators and the central office administrators (approximately 20 people). Mom says I did a nice job. The guidance counselor joined us for the presentation and, from what I could tell, people were very impressed with my work at Mom’s school. Many of them are interested in starting therapy dog programs at their schools. Mom and I presented after a conversation about the mental health issues in our schools, and Mom says it was perfect timing – not that I am the one answer to the mental health issues, but I am one additional resource for students and the adults who work with them. Mom went on and on about me and about therapy dog work in general. She talked about hormones (like oxytocin and serotonin), and about blood pressure and epinephrine. I have no idea what she was talking about, but people seemed to be interested. After sharing lots of stories about my work with students, the guidance counselor told the group, “Coco makes me better at my work…she makes me a better counselor.” When I got back to school, I relaxed a bit before going for walks with students and Mom. I also met with my friend, the new student, who I met with Wednesday, and he cried and talked to his guidance counselor and me again about missing his dad and his dog. He is a sweet little boy, and I am glad I can provide some comfort to him. I helped Mom with afternoon bus duty, and many students gave me a light pat on the head or a quick hug before they left for the day.
On Friday, Mom and I worked a half-day because I had an appointment. We did a lot in the time we had a school. Before school, Mom and I spent a minute or two with some of the bus drivers as they dropped students off at school. Many of the bus drivers like the time they get with me, and I certainly enjoy the extra attention. I met with lots of students before school, and then throughout the first three periods of the day. I met with the guidance counselor and students in one-on-one settings, and with the behavior specialist and small groups of students. Mom and I also took several walks with students before we left for the day. As they always are, students were very happy to spend time with me.
The four-day workweek went fast for me. I spent the last three of those four days with Mom. I love going to school with Mom, helping keep students and staff (including Mom) calm this time of year. I am looking forward to our last three full weeks of school before we break for the summer. ~Coco