So sorry for the delay, Coco fans. It was a very busy weekend. I’m still trying to catch up, but want to get this out to you now. You’ll love reading what Coco’s done this week. I never cease to be deeply touched by what this amazing dog is doing for the children at this school.
Here’s Coco…
This week I went to school with Mom on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday since there was no school Friday.
On Monday, I spent most of the day with the behavior specialist and lots of students. One student returned from an extended time away from school, and Mom says I helped her with the transition back. She and I are very connected, and I missed her while she was out. It was so nice outside, that I got to take several walks on Monday. As I have been doing lately, I went outside with Mom as students loaded the buses. Many of them gave me a pet on the head, or simply said good-bye to me.
After school, I attended the faculty meeting with Mom. After letting people pet me and talk to me, I lay at Mom’s feet and drifted in and out of sleep as the meeting took place. At one point, I rolled onto my back and let out a long sigh, which drew some attention from the teachers in the front. It happened to be at the point when the principal and Mom were talking about Educator Evaluation, which Mom says was perfect timing. I don’t know what that means, but I guess I provided the staff with some much-needed levity.
On Wednesday, I walked the school with Mom, helping her deliver coverage slips to classrooms. We also worked on some obedience, which I enjoyed. Next, Mom and I visited with students in the guidance area, and then I spent some time with students in the behavior specialist’s room. All this happened before school even started!
Just as homeroom ended, a sixth grade boy and his grandmother came in and explained that they needed to talk with the school psychologist. Mom walked them back to her office, and the grandmother said, “I could really use a Coco hug.” Mom found me and brought me to the school psychologist’s office, where I rested at the child’s and his grandmother’s feet, while they talked about keeping him safe and helping him with his emotional well-being. On her way out, the grandmother stopped by Mom’s office and said, “Thanks. I really needed Coco.” Later in the day, the boy and his counselor took me for a walk. I have known this boy for several months, and I am very connected to him. I think I provided him with some comfort to help him with his day.
As usual, Mom and I traveled to Greenfield for class after school Wednesday. It was our last class, so I am waiting to hear from Mom if we are taking another.
On Thursday, I did not see Mom at all after 7:45 a.m. She had an administrative meeting all morning, and then she had other meetings. I spent time with so many students. One student, who does mindfulness and meditations with her guidance counselor, was so impressed with me because I did the meditation with the student and counselor. We all relaxed quietly and I LOVED it! Another student was talking about hurting himself. He was sitting with a teacher, and he was writing a story about me. The behavior specialist came to get me, and I lay at the students’ feet to help keep him calm before his mother came to take him to get some help. I could tell something was “off” with him – I am glad he will get some help.
At the end of the day, I went out to say good-bye to the students as they loaded the buses. Many of them came over to pet me and say good-bye. I am a little sad that I will not see them for over a week…I truly enjoy my time with the students and staff at Mom’s school. They have embraced me as part of their community and I feel very blessed.
Friday, Mom had no school, but she and I visited our local nursing home. She says I made a lot of people happy there. I loved all the attention, as well, and look forward to visiting again next week.
Next week is our vacation from school. Mom and I are both looking forward to the break. We are hoping to get in some hikes, long walks, and relaxing, along with a visit to Soldiers’ Home and another visit to the local nursing home. ~Coco