Moshannon Valley School District is excited about joining a growing movement to have an animal assisted therapy dog visit with our students. Our hope is that this will be an ongoing activity, as well as another strategy that aligns with our district’s social emotional goals to positively impact the well-being and mental health of our students.
We know that there may be questions as to how this may work within the district and would like to share some information.
What are the Benefits of Having a Visit by a Therapy Dog?
- Provides a calming effect on students and reduces stress
- Improves concentration, self-esteem, and self-confidence
- Fosters a sense of responsibility and improves attendance
- Motivates students to think and learn
- Encourages respect and therefore improves relationships
- Helps build confidence in reading and improves literacy skills (Read with Me Program)
- Stimulates memory, problem solving, and game playing
- Encourages expression, participation, and shared attention
- Provides positive interactions surrounding a mutual topic for discussion
- Encourages responsibility and well-being
- Improves self-esteem, relieves anxiety, and lifts mood
- Teaches compassion and respect for other living things
- Reduces blood pressure, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move and stimulates the senses (Walk with Me Program)
How has the District Planned for This?
- Families can decline their child having contact and/or participation with the therapy dog program and events, by simply contacting the building main offices and letting us know.
- All contact will be planned and children will not be left unsupervised with the dog. The dog is never off-leash while working as a therapy animal.
- When the dog is not working, the dog will be under the supervision of designated school staff, in an authorized area.
- The dog will be on a lead/leash with the superintendent, who is the handler.
- The introduction of a school dog will not be a distraction to student learning, but rather an enhancement to our ideas for social emotional growth.
- No child will ever be made to interact directly with a dog
- Paisley will be visiting roughly one (1) day per week for two (2) hours
- All visits and hours are logged through the Pet Partners Animal Assisted Therapy program
What are Some Challenges to Consider of Having a Visit by Paisley?
- Allergies:
- Paisley is a Cavachon and is hypoallergenic, but allergies are always possible.
- Registration and training: Paisley currently holds:
- Pet Partners, Inc. Therapy Dog Certification
- Pet Partners, Inc. Walk with Me Designation
- Pet Partners, Inc. Read with Me Designation
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification
- American Kennel Club Novice & Intermediate Trick Dog Certification
- Valid dog license
- Copy of the certificate of liability insurance is documented with the District
- Valid and up to date immunizations and vaccines are documented
- Some children may have a fear of dogs - Paisley will only be in contact with children that want to work with her.
A little information about Paisley, our Therapy Dog
During the month of January, each elementary grade will be introduced to Paisley, a 1 ½ -year old Cavachon, owned by the Superintendent, and associated with Pet Partners Animal Assisted Therapy Program. Pet Partners is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, dedicated to sharing well-trained, registered therapy animals and reading education assistance dogs in meaningful programs that provide comfort and caring through the human-animal bond. Paisley is “ready to go” to meet all of our students who are interested!
We hope you will join us in welcoming Paisley to the Moshannon Valley School District family and embrace all that she has to offer to benefit our students and staff!
Thank you for being an integral part of this exciting time for our students.