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Jackson-Milton School to offer 4-legged therapy
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Asher, a 1-year-old goldendoodle, is ready to go to work as a therapy dog at Jackson-Milton Elementary School. The dog, owned by guidance counselor Christine Ginnis, will join the school staff next year but was introduced Tuesday morning to the enthusiastic student body who lined up to greet and pet him. The dog will be at the school three days per week, allowing students — and staff — to de-stress and decompress when needed. He’ll have his own bed in Ginnis’ office at the school.
By Denise Dick
NORTH JACKSON
The newest member of the Jackson Milton Elementary School staff doesn’t look like everyone else.
He doesn’t talk like the rest of the staffers, or dress, walk or sit like them. And he’s a lot hairier.
His name is Asher and he’s a 60-pound, 1-year-old goldendoodle owned by guidance counselor Christine Ginnis. He’ll join the staff as a therapy dog next school year, but Asher was introduced to the students in a Tuesday-morning assembly.
He was a hit.
First-graders Drew Sloan, Grace Johns and Nicholas Bennett, all 7, say they’re looking forward to seeing Asher in the halls next year.
“I like having him here,” Nicholas said. “I do like dogs.”
Children filed out of the gymnasium, greeting Asher on their way back to class. Some petted him and stopped to talk. Others just gave a quick wave.
Asher has a Blue Jay therapy dog vest and an ID badge. He’ll accompany Ginnis to work three days a week and have his own bed in her office.
“I’ve always wanted a therapy dog,” she said.
Ginnis and Asher completed classes at The Learning Dog in Hubbard to prepare for his role, and he passed his therapy-dog test May 6. She plans to take more classes this summer.
“Sometimes, dogs can do what people can’t,” she said.
If a child struggles with reading and is embarrassed to read aloud to a teacher or classmate, he or she can read to Asher, who doesn’t judge.
He’ll be in Ginnis’ office to offer a sympathetic ear or a cuddle to a student who is having a bad day. Even staff members can turn to Asher for stress relief.
“Asher can be everybody’s best friend,” Ginnis said.
She and Superintendent Kirk Baker visited West Branch Schools, where a therapy dog has been part of the staff for a couple of years, before Baker gave the OK for Asher to come to school.
“The research shows that dogs can be very calming,” Baker said.
Principal Joe DiLoreto said the school includes students on the autism spectrum, and Asher will provide a calming influence.
He believes the students will enjoy having the dog at school.
“I think the kids are going to be thrilled with Asher,” DiLoreto said.