BAS Pack of Dogs
Edition #4
Determination-Optimism-Generosity-Solidarity
Dog of the Month - Buckley - Spencer Elementary
When Buckley and his siblings were born their mom had complications and was not able to recover. The breeder immediately was able to secure a surrogate mother to nurse the pups until they were 5 weeks old. Our pups are survivors.
We have many students and staff members that have lost someone near and dear to their hearts. Just like people our pups have obstacles in life too. Our pack of brothers and sisters have a special bond.
Buckley lives with Mr. Bill Renner, the principal at Spencer Elementary and his family here in Brighton.
Buckley is a very happy and friendly dog. He is particularly fond of snuggling up and loves when students rub his neck. Like all of our social-emotional learning dogs, he acts with determination and dedication to his work while his vest is on. It is as if he transforms into a whole new dog when the vest is removed; he becomes more energetic and knows it is time to play! He will catch balls, chase small animals, play outside with his handler and friends. He loves other dogs, especially his brother, Shadow.
Buckley has a favorite trail that he runs daily and enjoys playing fetch.
In school, Buckley will do many activities. He visits Spencer’s gym every morning, as if on a schedule. He loves the Phys Ed class and enjoys spending time with them. He likes to go to sporting events and Brighton Unified games. He is a social butterfly of a dog, he loves to be around people, and participate in whatever is going on. He often joins in on school events and functions, it’s a lot like he’s joining in to help! He will stand in solidarity with all of his people, friends, students and teachers alike!
Buckley's sponsors:
The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team is one of our main sponsors for Buckley. Todd Buckley, owner and team leader of Buckley Jolley is also a former Brighton student.
Here is a testimonial :
"Like many others, we learned of the program when our three sons attended Maltby Intermediate. Seeing Caesar was often times the highlight of their day. When we heard the program was being expanded we knew right away that we wanted to help however we could. We could only imagine the impact this program would have on all the schools. Our sons also attended Spencer Elementary and it seemed like a natural fit for us. We take great joy seeing Buckley’s adventures and the connections he makes with students. We are very thankful to be a small part of the program and grateful for the work Karen Storey and her team does with BAS Pack of Dogs. Thanks also to all the host families, especially the Renner Family (Buckley), and the Richards family who host Shadow, the dog who brightens days at Hornung, my elementary school four decades ago!"
PS. At our home we have one black and one yellow lab, who have been mistaken for BAS Pack of Dogs members!
-Todd & Natalie Buckley, Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team
Todd focuses on creating an outstanding experience for both home sellers and buyers. He is involved with a number of local and national organizations and is committed to being at the forefront of the changing real estate industry.. He is a graduate of Michigan State University. Outside of real estate, Todd enjoys spending time with his family and friends, leading Boy Scouts, cheering for MSU athletics, traveling, camping, hiking, running, skiing, and helping restore the North Manitou Shoal Light (The Crib) off the coast of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore/Leland, MI.
We are so thankful for their commitment to BAS. If you are in need of real estate services please give them a call or visit their website. https://www.buckleyjolley.com/
iDEAL Photos is also a proud sponsor of Buckley. iDEAL photo provides professional youth sports photos throughout the country. Mindy and Jeff Vachow, Brighton parents also know the emotional impact that our pack of dogs provides to students and staff. We are so grateful. Visit their website at https://idealphotos.com/
Food Sponsor:
We are so thankful for Science Diet - Hills to supply our food to our pack. Buckley eats the large breed weight management food line. Science Hills Diet has taken great care of our pups. We are thankful to Anthony Quinn who is the regional manager for Hills. Thank you! https://www.hillspet.com/science-diet
Veterinary Care:
Cedar Creek located in Williamston is a proud sponsor to provide veterinary care for Buckley, Shadow and Henry. Cedar Creek has six veterinarians who are all members of the American Veterinary Association as well as the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. They strive to work together to provide the best care for their patients.
https://www.cedarcreekvet.com/
Pet Cremation
Eternal Pet Cremations of Brighton donated their services when needed. Saying goodbye to your family pet can be difficult. Eternal Pet Cremation is here to help us through this difficult time in our lives (when it arises) , and they will ensure that our dogs are treated with respect and dignity. https://eternalpetcremation.com/
Grooming:
Buckley and all of our dogs are groomed by Kim the owner of Scruffy to Fluffy. Every month our pups will take the day and have some time to just relax and be pampered. Kim loves our pups and we love her. Stop on by with your dog and let them enjoy their doggie spa treatment. http://scruffytofluffyofbrighton.com/
Give back to our community!
Friend time!
Mask up!
Handsome!
Todd Buckley and Buckley Bond!
Family Time!
Lily's Corner - Brighton High School Student
My name is Lily Heineman. I am a senior at Brighton High School. I am going to be writing about the Brighton Area School Pack of Dogs, about their effect on the students, their purpose, and even just about the dogs being dogs!
Buckley who spends his day at Spencer Elementary has plenty of heart. He has a huge heart, full of love and energy. He has so much love, he can be super generous and share it with everyone he meets.
Empathy is a special talent for Buckley. He can sense when people are in need. If a student is particularly sad or anxious, Buckley often seeks them out to give love. His generosity, big heart and sense of emotion make him the perfect companion, and a wonderful therapy dog.
Until next time!
Lily
Chloe and Duncan!
Study Center at Brighton High!
National love your pet day!
Brighton Ford Toys for Tots Community Give Back!
College day at the Bridge!
Community Service!
Program Goals and the Impact
- Improved relationships with peers and teachers
- Positive attitude toward learning & improved motivation
- Gains in confidence
- Decrease in learner anxiety behaviors that interfere with academic growth
- Increase in school attendance
- Increased academic achievement
Impact
- Provide students with positive academic, emotional, and behavioral support
- Share relationship-building skills and trustworthiness
- Exemplify calming techniques and self-regulation
- Experience sharing, overcoming personal obstacles
- Help with test anxiety and stress
- Address respect of personal territory and boundaries
- Positive impact on self-esteem and confidence
- Teach assertiveness without anger, empathy, patience and forgiveness
- Expand awareness of conflict resolution skills and how to have difficult conversations
- Encourage positive choices and decision-making skills
- To be a tool used in academic lessons
School districts that are modeling our program
- Frankenmuth Schools
- Fenton Public Schools
- West Ottawa Schools
- Clarkston Schools
- Saginaw Chippewa
- Portage Northern HS
- Walled Lake Schools
- Howell Schools
- Battle Creek Schools
- Hartland Schools
- Petoskey Public Schools
- Dexter Schools
- Oscoda Schools
- Mt. Morris
- Ann Arbor Public Schools
- Fowlerville Schools
- Kentwood Public Schools
- East Jordan Schools
- South Lyon Schools
- Avondale Schools
Thank you Volunteers
- Nada Obrenovich, Nada spent many years teaching at coaching at BAS. She has always been a huge supporter of our program. Nada is our program evaluator who evaluates and troubleshoots any issues that may arise.
- Abigail Farmer, a BAS parent is our event coordinator. She spends time updating every dog binder at each school with important records. She also coordinates community events that the dogs can attend. She also spends time walking Oliver from time to time.
- Deb Ditto, a BAS parent has spent the last few years with us supporting the program. Ford at Scranton is named after her father. Deb and her family helped support Ford's training. Deb spends time hen there is an emergency that arises and the schools need more than one dog on that particular day. Deb is a licensed counselor as well.
- Katie Tierney, a BAS parent enjoys walking a few of our dogs each day. Chevy and Buckly love their time walking with Kate. We are thankful for her time and love that she provides to our Pack.