HMS therapy dog to arrive in two weeks
STAR-JOURNAL STAFF
A new staff member will be joining Hillsboro Middle School at the end of the month — but he'll be of the four-legged variety.
After a year of waiting, HMS will finally be receiving a specially trained therapy dog from Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services of Concordia.
HMS counselor Tonja Wienck will spend April 22 through 26 in Concordia training with the dog, whose first day in school will be Monday, April 29.
During training week, Wienck will meet the dog for the very first time. Right now, she doesn't know what kind of dog it is, but says it will probably be a golden retriever or labrador retriever who's two years old.
"I'm very excited," Wienck said.
Wienck first proposed the idea to the USD 410 school board a year ago. It's taken a full year to have the district's application processed, and now the canine is almost ready to start work.
So what will HMS's newest staffer do on the job? His most basic job will be to reach students, Wienck said.
"Some kids struggle socially and aren't comfortable at school. Having a pet here relaxes them," she said.
When students come into Wienck's office, having an animal there can help them feel more at ease and open to talk. They might pet the dog to relax, or they might take the dog on a walk, Wienck said.
Petting and talking to an animal also helps to relieve stress and tension, and may diffuse the anger of an upset student, she said.
The therapy dog will usually start a typical school day in the lobby, greeting the students as they head into the building. Then he or she will spend most of the day in Wienck's office.
The dog will also benefit some of HMS's special ed students, helping them with motor and verbal skills.
While he's at school, the dog will always be on a leash; he won't just roam freely through the building, Wienck said. Each student and staff member will learn the basic commands he knows.
"These dogs respond to anybody," she said. When off duty, the canine will live at home with her.
The Hillsboro Leo Club is sponsoring the dog by providing $100 for the initial costs of adopting the animal. Other costs he requires, such as food and vet care, will either be provided by Wienck or civic groups. The school district does not provide any funding for the animal.
Wienck has seen how therapy dogs have proved beneficial in other schools, and she's excited about having her own.
"Other counselors have been supportive and said that the dogs bring emotional benefits," Wienck said.
Some area schools currently using therapy dogs include Sunset Elementary of Newton, Head Start of Smoky Valley, and elementary schools in Topeka and McPherson.
