Therapy Dog ‘Parker’ Introduced at Wheeling Park High School
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WHEELING - A new four-legged therapist trained to excel in empathy, listening ability and giving cuddles was introduced to Wheeling Park High School students and staff Wednesday.
Aptly named "Parker," the school's new therapy dog took center court - then promptly layed down - during a "pup rally" in the gym in his honor.
WPHS is among the latest schools to receive a therapy dog through West Virginia's "Friends With Paws" program. The effort was organized by West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice with the goal of placing loving canines in schools to assist students needing emotional support.
Ten-month-old Parker demonstrated his obedience and adherence to commands during his first day at WPHS, then gave a few snuggles to some cheerleaders.
He also got to meet "Parker's People" - staff members at the school who will be charged with his care.
Vice Principal Adrienne Richards is getting a new family member in Parker. She volunteered to be the staff member at the school with whom he will reside.
"Who doesn't want a cute puppy they can bring back and forth from work each day?" she asked.
Others tapped to be "Parker's People" at WPHS are Principal Meredith Dailer, Community In Schools social worker Unique Robinson-Murphy; special education teachers Amy Rice and Ashlee Kuca; mental health counselor Jill Maloney; counselor Betsy Jones; and Brian Leggett, director of the Innovative Learning Center at WPHS.
The group began training sessions Wednesday afternoon focusing on how to care for and use Parker, and these will continue today and Friday.
Richards said she will get to take Parker home with her for the first time Thursday night. He will live with her, her husband Ryan and their two children - Ian, a senior at WPHS; and Maddox, a freshman.
"I think the boys are surprised. It's like a Christmas day surprise," she said.
Richards also has two other dogs, including a yellow lab and a mixed terrier.
"We just had to make sure the yard is completely fenced in, and we had to order just the necessary pet supplies - dog food, a kennel, the run-of-the-mill new puppy stuff," she continued. "He'll be my best friend."
Dog bowls and a stuffed turtle friend for Parker are already sitting in front of her desk. On days when she attends her sons' baseball games after school, he will accompany her to those outings.
"I think he is just going to bring a lot of happiness to the building," Richards said. "He will basically provide emotional support and cuddles."
The plan is for Parker to spend much of the school day in the counselors' office, where he will be called upon sporadically to provide emotional support to students going through difficult situations.
Parker also will assist special education students at the school. These students often are tasked with making deliveries to classrooms, and it is expected the special education teachers who are part of "Parker's People" will accompany them and bring Parker along to visit the students.
"Friends With Paws" dogs are trained at Ultimate Canine in Westfield, Indiana. According to information provided by the Office of the First Lady, owner Julie Case has 27 years of experience in dog training.
The time to train therapy dogs for the "Friends With Paws" program varies from dog to dog, where they will be assigned and what their specific duties will be. But the process typically takes about 10 months, according to trainer Jil Mazzelan. They are selected as puppies at 8 months old for their future duty.
The organization works with three different breeders in West Virginia to select canine candidates - which typically are golden retrievers, labrador breeds or labradoodles, she explained.
"They are breeders who specialize in dogs who have a temperament as a therapy dog," Mazzelan continued. "So their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents have all had the temperament of a therapy or service dog."
Communities in Schools provided the initial upfront fees for Parker, according to information provided by Ohio County Schools. Costs covered include vaccinations for one year for Parker as well as liability insurance.
The Wheeling Veterinary Associates group has agreed to sponsor Parker for all his veterinary needs and any additional health services. Ashton Grooming and Dog Spa has offered to handle Parker's grooming.
Six "Friends With Paws" therapy dogs were scheduled to be delivered to schools this week, bringing the total number of therapy dogs placed in West Virginia schools since March 2022 through the program to 25.
On Wednesday, Brooke Middle School was presented with a female golden retriever named Clara.