Content Provided by Pence Media Group
The newest addition to Center Grove Community Schools stands on four legs, and is on a mission to make a paws-itive impact on the culture and climate inside classrooms.
“When he is in his blue vest, he is a working dog,” says Christy Berger, executive director of student services and one of the handlers. “If he doesn’t have his blue vest on, he’s just my pet. It is amazing how they can tell the difference.”
Hopper is almost 3 years old, is a proud graduate of the Indiana Canine Assistant Network or ICAN, and now serves as Center Grove’s facility dog.
A facility dog, like Hopper, is different from a therapy dog. Facility dogs participate in at least two years of specialized training – in his case, with ICAN – where incarcerated men and women train the dogs. It is a rigorous process as they undergo a series of evaluations outside of the prison walls to ensure they would make a good fit as working facility dogs. The program looks to make an impact on both sides of the leash.
“He has learned some cues to help us with students or staff who might be upset,” says Berger. “He visits them, which means he puts his head on their lap while they might be upset. Or if a kid is falling asleep, he can nudge them on their leg and wake them up. So they train them specifically to be a facility dog or a service dog.”
Hopper did especially well with experiencing new environments, which made him a perfect match for Center Grove schools, where he travels from building to building throughout the day with his handler to wherever he is needed.
During Thanksgiving break, while the halls were empty, Hopper toured each building so he could experience the sights and smells without students and staff. His calming presence can now be part of difficult conversations with students, staff and even parents. Berger also says Hopper can cheer up students throughout the school day or act as a motivator for students to excel.
“It’s been amazing just in the last few weeks that we’ve had him, just how much happiness and joy he’s brought to our central office building and staff,” says Berger. “ If our brains aren’t primed and ready to learn, then we can’t learn new things or do our jobs. We’ve all had days that are really tough and we know that for some of our students, that’s more their norm. So if this can give them a purpose of coming to school, or just help them feel relaxed when he’s in school, then he is doing his job.”
The idea of bringing a facility dog to the schools to make an impact on the mental health of students and staff started with Center Grove Middle School Counselor Ruthie Leeth. Berger says Leeth dove into the research at least four years ago, and when Dr. William Long became superintendent, she pitched the idea to him, knowing how much he advocates for mental health in the district.
Center Grove and Hopper were matched up, and the school leaders hope Middle School North will get an additional dog specifically for their building soon. They are also waiting for one more for another part of the district. The facility dogs are funded through a federal grant, and veterinary services are provided free of charge to the district by a local veterinarian, Dr. Chad Hennessy with Franklin Animal Clinic.
“He’s a little spunky at times,” says Berger. “I joke that he’s a sassy teenager because he’s two and a half. He’s done a great job with all of the staff and people that he’s met. I’ve just been impressed by his abilities.”
Follow along with Hopper’s journey as a facility dog on Facebook @HopperCG, on Instagram @hopper.centergrove, and at centergrove.k12.in.us/hopper.
