We’ve been under storm watch since Monday evening, with no-cars-on-the-roads-after-midnight in effect. I was beginning to have a huge attack of cabin fever – although I have plenty of work to do – when Coco’s Report arrived in my inbox. I loved taking a break from working on our Bright Spot annual publication to read about the meaningful work Coco, and Molly, too, have done this week. If you’re having a touch of cabin fever, like me, reading Coco’s Report is a sure cure.
Here’s Coco… I went to school with Mom on Wednesday and Friday this week. Sophie did not go this week because Mom wanted to make sure her medical issue from last week had resolved. It has, so she will be going to school this Wednesday. Molly went to school on Tuesday and Thursday with her mom, Julie, one of the school’s guidance counselors.
On Wednesday, Mom got very busy. I spent much of the day with the behavior specialist, helping keep students calm, and supporting them as they completed schoolwork. I also spent time with the guidance counselor, listening to students talk about their worries and struggles, and leaning on them or snuggling with them. Mom and I met with students in small groups and one-on-one. The students with scheduled times with me count on those meetings, so Mom tries to make sure she can accommodate them. Some students meet with me every day I am at school. Mom says these students rely on the meetings to help them get through their weeks.
After school, I traveled with Mom to Greenfield, where I spent time with our friend in the nursing home. As we walked in and out of the facility, many residents and staff members wanted to pet me. Mom and I always stop for people because we know how much it means to them. Mom enjoys visiting with people, too, and I certainly enjoy the attention.
Mom says Molly did more great work on Tuesday and Thursday, meeting with lots of students individually and in groups. It is interesting how students who know Molly, Sophie, and me tend to have a preference for one of us. Although they seem to like all of us, some students feel more connected to one of us than the others. Molly has had s huge impact on so many students, and Julie is thankful that she is able to bring her dog to work to help students.
On Friday, I spent lots of time in the behavior specialist’s room while students completed work, talked with their counselor, petted me, took me outside for walks, and took breaks from their academics. I feel very comfortable in that room. When Mom walks in to get me throughout the day, sometimes she has to shake me to wake me up. Although there is plenty of activity and energy in that room, I am at home there, and I relax and nap when I need to.
Mom received a phone call twenty minutes after the school day started. A parent needed her help getting her daughter out of the car and into the school. Mom and I walked out to the car – the student LOVES dogs – Mom opened the door, she looked down at me, kissed her own dog good-bye, and walked into school with us. She struggles with different issues, and sometimes getting into school is one of them. I stayed in the guidance area with the student until her guidance counselor was available to meet with her. Mom says I helped this student immensely.
Mom and I met with students, talking with them about school, social issues, and family dynamics. Several students took me for walks, which I always enjoy. Toward the end of the day, a mother came in to dismiss her sixth grade daughter. She asked if she could pet me. Of course Mom said she could. She went on to talk to Mom about how wonderful she thinks it is that we have therapy dogs at school. She asked about, “…the yellow lab that comes to school…” and, as she petted me, Mom talked to her about Sophie. The mother explained that Sophie was the name of her yellow lab that died several years ago, how she and her daughter loved that dog and really missed her. Currently they have two other yellow labs, but she was excited for her daughter to have another “Sophie” in her life. It was pretty neat listening to the talk about my sister, Sophie, a therapy dog in training. I hope she will make a good therapy dog someday soon.
I enjoy my time at Mom’s school very much. The secretaries and custodians also enjoy spending time with me. I get so much attention for just being me. Mom says I make a lot of people’s lives better, which is interesting to me, since I do not feel like I do anything special.
My friend, whom I like to visit Fridays on our way home, is in the hospital. I hope he is doing OK and that I will be able to see him soon. It is difficult when you get connected to a person and then his situation changes – I really miss him. Mom explained that my visits with him mean a lot to his family and to him, and she is sure when he is better, he will want to see me again. I sure hope so. ~Coco