Stephanie’s Story What Carol says is true…I always wanted therapy dogs in my classroom! I used to teach in a zoo, and I have always had pets in my classroom. I was so happy when Carol, Violet, and Tex were assigned to my class. I have always strongly believed that we can learn a lot…
Getting Started: Stories from a New Partnership (Part 1)
Carol Van Sant joined Nor’wester Therapy Dogs in 2018 and received her first assignment for the 2018-2019 school year. Carol was partnered with Stephanie Lucci-May, a Pennsbury elementary school teacher and ardent dog lover. Carol and Stephanie met for the first time at an introductory session in Stephanie’s empty classroom. It was both Carol’s and…
Title Your Therapy Dog
Did you know that your therapy dog can earn official AKC (American Kennel Club) therapy dog titles? While the title is just a piece of paper, it is symbolic of the commitment and volunteer hours you spend in partnership with your therapy dog. There are five titles your dog can earn based on the number…
Summer 2019 Program at Free Library of Northampton Township
Last year the five-week Nor’wester Therapy Dogs summer public library visits at Northampton and Southampton were rousing successes! The librarians shared wonderful feedback from the parents and told us how much the children enjoyed participating. The Free Library of Northampton Township in Richboro, PA is currently developing its summer program and plans to offer it…
NOR’WESTER THERAPY DOGS PILOTS PROGRAM IN NESHAMINY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Therapy dogs are an amazing teaching tool and help teachers reach students who have learning challenges of all types. The Nor’wester organization was happy to step up to provide a therapy dog team when Kate Irizarry, lead teacher of special education at Maple Point Middle School, asked for support. A class was chosen, and Heidi,…
A Special Therapy Dog Story from Pennsbury
Often our teachers tell us wonderful stories of the impact their visiting therapy dog has upon their class and individual students. The Nor’wester Therapy Dogs organization encourages our handlers and host teachers to always share the magic that happens when students achieve by the side of their therapy dog. Katie Veneziale from Pennsbury School District…
CANINE STRESS BUSTERS AT BUCKS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Nothing is more stressful on a college campus than exam time. To help reduce the student stress level, BCCC’s Newtown campus has collaborated with the Nor’wester Therapy Dog organization to offer the Comfort Dogs on Campus program since the Spring semester of 2018. Our organization works with Jennifer Osinski, Deborah Hoelper, and Susan Paciolla of…
WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
All the news thats fit to bark! Click below to read our newsletter Winter 2017 Newsletter Winter 2017 Newsletter
Vote for NWR in the Happening List
Norwester Therapy Dogs: Canine Partners in Education has been nominated for Most Happening Charity in the Bucks County 2017 Happening List contest. This contest is offered to determine the MOST HAPPENING people, places, businesses, and events in the region. And Norwester Readers is certainly at the forefront as a MOST HAPPENING organization! Therapy dogs are magical…
Northampton Township Recognizes Nor’wester Therapy Dogs
On September 28, 2016 Northampton Township, Bucks County, PA. recognized Nor’wester Therapy Dogs with a township commendation award. The township board of supervisors recognized, acknowledged, and thanked the organization for dedicated volunteerism and enriching the lives of community members. The award was accepted by co-founders Debbie Glessner and Wendi Huttner on behalf of the organization….