Only two weeks left to the school year, then Coco will be taking a summer break. Here’s what she’s been up to this week…
I went to school with Mom on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week. Since I began working at Mom’s school in December, I have worked over 50 full days there! I consider “full days” nine or ten hours. We have two full weeks of school left, and then we will break for the summer. Mom works certain weeks throughout the summer, and she says she will bring me with her once each week she works to spend time with students in some of the summer programs, as well as with the adults who will be there.
One student, who spends time with me twice a week, once with Mom and once with her guidance counselor, said, “I am really glad Coco comes to school. She helps me stay calm, and she helps me talk…” Mom says she has a difficult time communicating with adults, but through me, she is able to talk about what is on her mind and listen to different perspectives from adults.
On Monday, I met with many students. I worked with the guidance counselor with students, as well as with the behavior specialist with students. It was a nice day so I was able to take lots of walks outside. I enjoy those walks, listening to the students and adults talk about whatever is on their minds. I think it gives them a meaningful reason to take a walk, get some fresh air, and take a break from their day. Mom says the adults enjoy that as much as the students. She must be right because sometimes two adults take me for walks without any students!
On Wednesday, I spent very little time with Mom because I was working with the behavior specialist and the guidance counselor with students. We did start the day practicing obedience, and then I attended a meeting with several teachers, the principal, and Mom. Throughout the day, Mom did take me for a few short walks with students, which I enjoyed. Unlike other Wednesdays, I did not travel to Greenfield with Mom for class after school. She has decided that I need a break from formal training. Mom dropped me off at home and she took Sophie for training. She is hoping that one day Sophie will be a good therapy dog, and she wants to work more formally with her. Although I missed Mom while she was away with Sophie, I know giving me a break is the best thing for me. I get tired from working at Mom’s school. She and I have taken five classes together over the past eleven months and, though I will miss the ride, seeing the dogs and people there, and spending extra “alone-time” with Mom, I did enjoy the downtime at home with Dad and my brother, Toby, Wednesday evening.
Friday morning was stressful for Mom. There were lots of teachers out and only two substitutes. From what I understand, this means that Mom has to find teachers to cover classes of the teachers who do not have subs. This takes some time, and then she and I deliver the “coverage slips” to classrooms. This has been the practice forever, but some days there are more coverage needs than others, and some days Mom feels more stressed than others. After we delivered the coverage slips Friday, we worked on some obedience, and I could feel Mom’s stress level decrease. One of the custodians came to visit with Mom and me, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Mom took me for a walk outside before the students arrived, which I know also helps her de-stress.
I spent some time in the guidance area before school, working with students. One student was curled up next to me on the floor having some “relaxation time” before school started. Mom and I also met with a student who has been struggling. Because she loves me so much, she was able to talk with Mom about what is on her mind. She is very sad. She cried and talked with Mom, the entire time petting me as I lay my head in her lap. Mom says I gave her the courage to talk about some difficult things and to talk about her feelings.
I spent time in the behavior specialist’s room with many different students, some doing work, some just needing a break. Several students took me for walks with the guidance counselor, behavior specialist, or Mom. I spent some time with students with severe disabilities, letting them pet me and give me treats. Students are starting to fall apart a bit. Mom says this is typical for June. Mom and I met with a student who slapped another one, and then we met with the student who got slapped. Mom says she’ll finish sorting that out on Monday since it happened at the end of the day. Three other boys met with Mom and me to talk about the disrespect they have been showing adults in the building recently. As Mom reminded them, there are only ten days of school left…I hope they can end the year strong.
Mom says the end of the year is also difficult for teachers and staff. Several teachers came to the office today to see me. Mom says I provided them with some stress relief, too, and I am a huge support for them.
It was another great week of work at Mom’s school. I enjoy being there, and I love knowing I am helping so many people. -Coco