THERE'S
A DOG IN THAT CLASSROOM!
Sasha Goes to School
It’s Wednesday morning
and I’m waiting at the door for my human mom to pick up her school bag.
I have on my harness with my Therapy Dog patch. I have my leash attached
to my collar. And I have on my bandana. I’m ready to go to school to help
the boys and girls in my mom’s third grade class. It’s going to be a busy
day, and I bounce at the door to let my mom know I’m ready to go.
At school I greet
everyone with a smile. Everyone says hello to me as I trot down the hall.
Some people remember to say hello to my mom too, but they speak to me first.
When we get to the classroom I have to make sure everything is ready for
a busy day at school. I check to make sure my pillow is in my crate. (Sometimes
a dog just has to take a nap!) I also wait at the sink for the student
helper to fill my water bowl. Then I sniff around the room to make sure
that everything is in the right place. The children begin to arrive, and
it is time to work.
.
Two boys ask if they
may read to me. I have a basket of books on the shelf with all sorts of
good stories. There are books about dogs, cats, and rabbits. The boys find
a book that’s on their reading level and read to me.They take turns and
help each other with words they don’t know. While they read, they feed
me little bits of treats from the doggie treat jar. Mom says they are learning
to cooperate. I say they are learning how to keep a dog happy. Three more
kids sit down with us and they brush me while they listen to the story.
Then they start talking about all sorts of stuff like their pets or their
families. Some kids tell sad stories but everyone listens and helps them
feel better.
When the kids get ready
to do their schoolwork Mom asks who has the most “Pooch Points”. Those
are pictures of me that she gives to kids who have had outstanding behavior
and turn in all their work. The kids with the most points get to sit on
the floor with me while they work on their spelling and English. When the
kids go to PE I get to visit other classrooms. My mom and I teach the little
kids how to meet a dog. They practice asking, “May I pet your dog?” In
one class we work with kids with “special needs”. They are special to me
because they all give really good scratches, and I can sense how much they
love me. That is what makes them special to me.
Back in
class, the children write stories about me or measure my paws or tail.
They also listen to information about dogs and answer questions. That helps
them improve their listening skills. They also help me practice my tricks.
Sometimes they teach me new tricks. Sometimes we just hang out together
and share some quiet time. When we go outside, the kids make up games that
include me.
At the end
of the day the kids give me one last pet as they leave the classroom. It’s
been a long day, but I know I’ve done a good job. Mom packs her bag, and
I catch just a little nap. It won’t be long till I’m back here. A teacher’s
work is never done.
It’s
time for a nap. 
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