I just went into my email account to check on any new incoming mail before closing down for the day. As promised, Bright Spot Therapy Dog Coco had sent me her report. I quickly opened her email excited to read about her full and rewarding week. Wow! Has she been busy helping the children at the Robert E. Melican Middle School. In addition, she and her Mom manage to fit in a training class after work at Pam Murphy’s NB Productions in Greenfield, MA, where they continue to hone their obedience skills.
Enough from me. Here you go… Enjoy the unedited Coco’s Friday Report in her own words:
This was a busy week at school. Mom brought me to work with her on Wednesday and on Friday! On Wednesday, I worked with our guidance counselor with 35+ students one-on-one and in a few small groups. I went to the PTO meeting with Mom. All the PTO members were impressed with my work, and gave Mom money to buy floor chairs for our work with students.
After school on Wednesday, I also participated in a club with “typical” students and students with disabilities. At night, I went to intermediate class in Greenfield with Pam Murphy at NB Productions – I was exhausted at the end of the day, but I made so many people happy, and Mom says I did well in class at night.
Today, I worked with 30+ students. My day started with walking the halls to deliver coverage slips with Mom, greeting the custodians and some teachers, and some obedience work in the hallway. Next, I spent time in the guidance area, where I worked with four students and their counselor. I also spent time in three small-group studies, keeping students company as they completed work. The behavior specialist says that students are more motivated to complete work when I am there…I guess I keep them calm and focused.
One of my “regulars” came down to spend time with me. He shared with me that his week had been tough, but knowing he was going to see me Friday, helped him get through it. Another one of my “regulars” read Garfield to me, laughing at the jokes in the book. I am certain that he has read the book to me before, but I find his voice relaxing and soothing, and I napped a little as he read it to me.
Coco has some nap time scheduled into her day.
Mom got busy with something “important” but I feel right at home and comfortable with everyone at her school so I continued my work with students. I met with many more students one-on-one with the guidance counselor and with the behavior specialist. Mom and I also met with some students I had never worked with before. One boy, who just met me on Wednesday, gave me a few treats and talked to me about how much he enjoys spending time with me. He says he might be moving over the weekend, and I think he was sad about that. Mom says I did a good thing making him happy, especially if today was his last day with us.
Last period, Mom and I went into a sub-separate classroom, where students took turns reading to me. They read a book called Working Dog because they thought I’d like it. I really enjoyed it, and the sound of their voices and the happiness that they exuded made me feel awesome. I snoozed a little as they read to me and petted me.
All in all, it has been a very full and very rewarding week for me – I love spending time with so many people and bringing joy to them.
Have a nice weekend! Coco
I am in awe of what this Bright Spot Therapy Dog Team is doing. They certainly are an inspiring duo. Stay tuned in for more on Coco next Friday.