SPRINGFIELD — Students at one Springfield elementary school now have a new furry friend roaming the halls each week.
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Students at Horace Mann Elementary School were introduced recently to Pete, a 2-year-old, 110-pound yellow Labrador retriever and certified therapy dog, a spokesperson for the district said in a media release Monday.
Pete, whose owners are Horace Mann principal Kevin Schalnat and his wife Sarah, was recently certified as a therapy dog after starting training at just 6-months old, the spokesperson said.
“Pete, Principal Schalnat and wife, Sarah, have gone through intensive training to make sure Pete is ready to be part of the building and district community,” the spokesperson said.
“He and Principal Schalnat have gone through several courses in obedience, self-awareness and even tricks! Pete can shake hands, wave and complete over a dozen more tasks on command.”
Schalnat plans to have Pete make weekly visits at Horace Mann, however Pete will be available to go wherever he’s needed within the school district, the spokesperson said.
Schalnat also plans to take Pete on patient visits to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and Dayton Children’s Hospital.
“According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, the use of therapy dogs in schools provides physical and emotional health benefits to students, promoting positive moods and decreasing stress. Therapy dogs have also been shown to boost a child’s trust and empathy skills,” the district spokesperson said.
In past moments of crisis and tragedy, the district had called on a team of therapy dogs from outside organizations to help students. Now the district will have Pete for weekly visits and has plans to add a second therapy dog.
Gunner, owned by an occupational therapist in the district, is currently receiving training to become the next therapy dog in the district after he receives his certification, the spokesperson said.