A four-month-old Golden Retriever named Maura is getting the best and most adorable training ever, thanks to a small animal care class. That’s because she has been chosen to be a part of the therapy dog pilot program launched in the Hillsboro Public Schools spearheaded by agriculture teacher Levi Reese.
The idea of training a therapy dog was actually first championed in Reese’s veterinary science class. The whole class worked up a proposal but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the proposal was got pushed aside. After classes reopened again, a student-teacher brought a dog into the class and the students learned basic things about animal care.
That was when Reese decided to try and push the proposal of having the students train a therapy dog. Fortunately, the school board approved the program and Maura joined the veterinary science and small animal care classes shortly. After that, the counseling and special education departments took care of which classes and what time would be most beneficial for Maura to join in.
And while the program focused on training Maura, she is not the only one learning in the classes. The students were also definitely acquiring skills that help them prepare for life. And most importantly, Maura also provided the much-needed comfort that reduces the stress and anxiety levels of students. Whenever the students see Maura, a smile easily forms and they get down to pet her and give her love.
Aside from the students, teachers and staff members also benefited from Maura’s presence in the school. And for Reese himself who personally handles and takes care of Maura, she was one of the reasons that helped him to remain a teacher. The past year definitely took a toll on his mental health but Maura helped change his perception and he was in a better mood ever since.
It still wasn’t long before Maura started her training but her impact has already been clearly seen.
Source: AG Week