Brooke Middle pupils have new four-legged friend

WELLSBURG -- Youth at Brooke Middle School will have a four-legged friend to help comfort them when they are troubled or simply greet them when they arrive at school.

Clara, a 9-month-old golden shepherd, was introduced as the school's first therapy dog at an assembly Wednesday attended by pupils, staff and leaders of the school district.

Superintendent of Schools Jeff Crook expressed thanks to Gov. Jim Justice and his wife, Cathy, for initiating the Friends with Paws program, which has placed trained therapy dogs in many schools with support from the West Virginia Department of Education and West Virginia Communities in Schools program.

Crook said while the school district is focused on providing its students with educational opportunities, he knows the youth have social and emotional needs as well.

"This is for you, to help you," he told the students before welcoming Clara as the school's newest staff member.

Clara's trainer -- Jil Mazellan of Ultimate Canine of Westfield, Ind. -- noted the smiles exhibited by many of the pupils upon the entry of Clara and Parker, another golden shepherd and therapy dog bound for Wheeling Park High School, to the school's gym.

Mazellan said the appearance of a dog often lifts the spirits of people, but she said a canine's presence can help to calm them, making it easier for those with troubles to express themselves to a trusted adult.

Jennifer Schiffbauer-Sisinni, the school's principal, noted Clara interacted well with pupils in the school's special education program and had already met with a few pupils who came to the guidance department for help.

"I think it really will have an impact on them," she said of the addition.

Guidance counselors Theresa Williams and Chelsey Barnhart have been training since Monday to work with the dog with Mazzellan and fellow trainer Jolene Rashley, both of Ultimate Canine.

Owned by Julie Case, the dog training academy has prepared golden and labrador retrievers and labradoodles to serve as therapy dogs for the statewide program.

Mazzellan said golden retrievers are good candidates for therapy dogs because they are energetic and calm.

But she added each dog is evaluated at 8 weeks old through a 200-point test to determine if it has the right temperament to serve as a therapy dog.

Williams said she volunteered to care for Clara at home and was chosen because she has no other pets whose behavior might conflict with Clara's training.

"I've had a dog most of my life," said Williams, who added playing a role in the use of a therapy dog has been a long-time goal.

"I've wanted to do this for years and years," she said.

Natalie Koziara, the school's Communities in Schools coordinator, expressed thanks to the Brooke Hills Animal Hospital, which has offered free medications for fleas, ticks and heartworms and a discount on treatments; and Follansbee pet groomer Lexy's Ruff Cuts, which has offered free services.

Schiffbauer-Sisinni said there are plans to hold fundraisers for materials for Clara and her yearly recertification as a therapy dog and the school welcomes the community's support.

Assistant Principal Karen Stuck said there are plans to sell a calendar featuring photos of Clara, and business sponsors interested in purchasing ads in it are needed.

Koziara said the therapy dog is a natural extension of the Communities in Schools program, which has provided food, clothing and school-related materials, from band instruments to track shoes, to students in financial need.

She said a big focus of the program is ensuring students attend school and the presence of a furry, friendly face should do much to encourage that.