We often encounter students who have anxiety and fear when around dogs. It seems that our therapy dogs are then thrust into the role of helping students overcome these issues.  The gentle and calm demeanor of a therapy dog is the first step in working with these students.  It’s heartwarming to see our therapy dogs help students gain confidence while being around dogs.

Sean was in second grade when Hannah started classroom therapy dog visits.  When the teacher took September photos of each student reading to the dog, Sean wouldn’t come within twelve feet of Hannah. 

None of us forced the issue and allowed Sean to dictate his comfort level.  As the weeks passed and Sean observed his classmates snuggling with Hannah, he started to inch closer and closer when it was his turn to read.  His teacher and the handler silently applauded the day Sean sat next to Hannah and petted her.  Soon he looked forward to the dog visits as much as his classmates.  At the end of the year when the teacher took photos of each student with Hannah, Sean was snuggling beside her with his arm around her body. 

Six years later, Sean and Hannah were reunited in middle school. There was a joyful reunion when Hannah walked in for her first visit.  Needless to say, the handler had tears in her eyes.

Then there was Chelsey, a 5^th grader. At the end of the year she volunteered to write about her experience with Hannah in the school’s student newsletter, The 5 O’Clock Times.

REFLECTION ON HANNAH, OUR THERAPY DOG

Hannah is our reading dog.  At the beginning of the year I was petrified of all kinds of dogs and wouldn’t even go near one.  When Hannah started visits, I didn’t think I would read to her or pet her, and just be scared the whole year.  When it was my turn to sit with Hannah, I decided to be super brave and pet her.  I was glad that one of the first dogs I was petting was a therapy dog because they are sweet and extra calm.  After I petted her for my first turn, I thought it was a miracle I didn’t freak out and that I was extremely relaxed.   The next time it was my turn to sit with Hannah, I took another big step towards eliminating my dog fears and started to read to her and pet her at the same time!  I kept doing this every time I sat with Hannah.   Now it is the end of the year, and I am not scared of Hannah at all.  Also, my fear of dogs has dropped a little bit.  When I pass dogs on the street or anywhere, I now don’t jump and hide behind anyone.  I also went to a friend’s house, and her dog was so calm I didn’t need my friend to hold the dog by the collar while I was there.  If you have a horrible fear of dogs, and want to overcome your fear, I suggest starting with a therapy dog!

by Chelsey S.

More letters from the kids. . .

Patrick makes me more happy and more confident when he’s around. He’s good to have near because he’s soft and gives confidence and happiness.  That’s why I like having Patrick around.  Grant

Patrick has been a very good therapy dog. He has helped me by making me overcome my fear of big dogs. He also is a good friend of mine. I really like Patrick as a therapy dog. Sophia

I think Patrick helps me feel better when he is with me. He makes me understand dogs better. I always think he helps me do my projects better. Patrick is the best therapy dog in the world. Patrick is an amazing dog that always helps me. Max

Patrick makes me feel happy because he is calm, and he makes me feel calm. Patrick is a great therapy dog. He is my favorite dog I have ever known. I would love to have him again next year. I also love seeing him at the reading to dogs at night in our pajamas. I always read at least 30 books to him every hour. I also see him in my grandmom’s room at least 5 times a month. I love seeing Patrick once a week. It makes my day!   Matthew

I think Patrick is a very good dog. Patrick has helped me become more confident about reading out loud. Patrick helps me study for tests. Patrick’s bright face helps me feel happy if I’m sad.   Griffin

Patrick has helped me a lot through school hours. He has helped so much mostly because I love dogs and having one at my school has made me so much happier. He has made me so much more confident with my work. He made me feel like I have something that I always wanted, and it truly came true which has cheered me up so much. Dogs are the most lucky companions. They help me a lot when I do not feel very excited to do my work. Also the cute look on Patrick’s face makes me giggle. I am so glad Patrick came to 2D to help me. Patrick is the best pup ever!!! We all love Patrick so much. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!  Violet

Patrick has paid attention to me like none of the people in my group has. He is the only dog I’m not scared of, and did I forget to mention that I’m scared of dogs. Even though Patrick is a dog, he can be a very good friend! He has helped me not be afraid of dogs too! He is so fun, and I love to pet him!  Alice

By Shelby Wetzel Crawford and her kids

More letters from the kids. . .

Patrick is something that I look forward to because I had a dog come in my classroom before. It is so cool to have a dog in your classroom. I like Patrick coming into my class.   Scarlett

Patrick is so amazing and so good for us. I just cannot have to match with them. And the least one I love.   Natalie

 Patrick makes me feel at home, makes me a better reader, and helps me focus better. Patrick helps me stay on task, and Patrick makes me focus on what I’m supposed to be doing in class. He makes me feel confident and comfortable reading out loud and reading slowly so I can read the words and not rush.  Cody

Patrick helped me this year because… he helped me when I felt sad!!!! He is so cute!!!! He helps me to be a better reader!!!!! He lays on me!!! That’s how he helped me this year!!!!!!!!   Alia

Patrick, you have made me feel comfortable to be near dogs. You also make it feel easier to write stuff. Patrick helps me be a star student, and you are really loveable and cute (That is why I love Patrick).   Ava

Patrick is so good. He has helped me read out loud to my friends and class. He helped me to not be afraid of big dogs. He helped me to remember about my Grandpa and his two dogs.   Benedetta

Patrick has helped me because I have three dogs. Two of them recently passed away, and it helps me to be around dogs. Working with dogs just makes me feel better. Henry

By Mrs. Shelby Wetzel Crawford  and her kids

Mrs. Shelby Wetzel Crawford, teacher, writes: 

“Ms. Kathy and Patrick have been an amazing highlight of our year in second grade. The students constantly ask when they will be coming and if they could come more often. They look forward to studying with Patrick, reading with him, and just having him in the room. We have taught him shapes and time in math. We have done science experiments with him, and we have practiced our reading and even our writing with him. The students have become more confident from reading aloud to Patrick.  They have learned better study skills from reviewing flashcards with him and have just enjoyed having him as a companion in class. I cannot thank Ms. Kathy enough for her amazing communication and fantastic job working with the students!

The children wanted to share how Patrick and Ms. Kathy have impacted their experiences as a second grade student this year!”

Patrick is helpful because he helps me share my stuff. Patrick is helpful because he makes me focus.  Dean

In second grade Patrick is my happy place. When I have bad dreams, Patrick helps me stay positive. In times that I’m scared, Patrick helps me stay comfortable. Now I kind of forget how it is not to have Patrick every Tuesday in the classroom. Patrick is a good helper in science and social studies. 

Eyiram

I think that Patrick has made me a better “out loud reader.”  Patrick made me better at sharing my ideas. Kieran

Patrick helps me focus. When I tell Patrick my ideas, Ms. Cathy tells me if it’s good or not good. If it’s good I keep it up; if it’s bad I erase it.  Tyler

Patrick helps me feel sure, helps me focus more, and he helps me think about my answers.   Thomas

Patrick helped me to be focused and feel calm. Also, he helped me to share my ideas. I think that Patrick made me better at reading out loud.  Jayson

Patrick has made me more confident with reading out loud. It has helped a lot because when I would read sometimes, I would skip lines. He helps a lot by helping us read better and knowing economics and flashcards. That´s what Patrick has done for us.  Beau

Patrick is helpful because he helps me calm down. He helps me want to show my work more. He is a friend, and he makes me want to make more friends.   Jonathan More of Mrs. Crawford’s students will be sharing their thoughts in the weeks to come…