Meet Jovie!
Wayland High School's Therapy Dog
Jovie will join the Wayland High School team starting on August 23rd, as a therapy dog. We are excited to have her with us!
Jovie is a two-year-old female Labradoodle who recently earned her therapy dog license through West Michigan Therapy Dogs. She has volunteered at Kent District Libraries for the Ruff Readers program, met kids of all ages at county park events, and enjoyed meeting veterans and senior citizens at assisted-living facilities. Jovie also loves making new friends at Lowe’s, Cabela’s, and Hobby Lobby. Now, Jovie is excited to be a part of the Wayland Union Schools Community and she will spend most of her time in our ASL classroom
Benefits of having a Therapy Dog in Schools
- Increased self-esteem and positive interactions between staff and students.
- Decreased blood pressure and increased physical stimulation.
- Increased memory and problem solving skills.
- Increase in positive mood; places students at ease and increases openness/socialization with others.
Studies have shown an increase in student reading skills when they are given opportunities to read to an accepting, non-judgemental audience ie. a therapy dog.
- Help children learn compassion, empathy, responsibility, respect and self-discipline.
Concerns and Considerations
- Jovie has a low-shedding hypoallergenic coat, which is suitable for students with allergies.
- Jovie will only interact with students who want to work with her. This is to be mindful of students that may not like dogs or have a fear of them.
- Jovie will be on a leash and wear a collar when she is on school grounds; she will not be free to roam.
- She is up-to-date on vaccination records, socialized with children on an ongoing basis, and is groomed regularly.
- Jovie will have a designated area in the office adjacent to room B213, Mrs. Rollandini's room, when she is not working in a classroom. She will also have access to food, water and be given multiple bathroom breaks outside.
- There will be several designated alternative handlers in the building to ensure she is overseen by an adult at all times.
- Jovie will be slowly acclimated to the school environment before being utilized in classrooms for any extended period of time.
High School students are automatically able to interact with Jovie in the hallways and/or in the ASL classroom (B213) unless a parent removes consent. To remove consent, please Click Here OR scan the QR code below: