HIGHLANDS, N.J. (AP) - Whether they’re feeling sad, upset or out of sorts, students in this middle school classroom know they have a four-legged friend to turn to for comfort.
Hudson, a two-year-old Goldendoodle therapy dog, spends all day with a class of seventh- and eighth-graders with special needs. Some students are on the autism spectrum, others have behavioral issues or learning disabilities. And to them, Hudson has become an invaluable member of the school.
“He brightens everybody’s day,” said James Giurco, an eighth-grader at Henry Hudson Regional High School, told the Asbury Park Press (https://on.app.com/2hvM4Mm). “Sometimes, when I’m feeling down, he helps.”
Teachers and administrators, too, say Hudson’s impact is heavy-felt. The classroom no longer struggles with behavior and attendance issues. Hudson can sense when a student is upset and puts his head on the student’s lap or gives the student the ball to play.
“They’ll pet him and they forget they are mad,” said Paige Davis, a paraprofessional at the school. That helps students focus on classwork and not cause a distraction for other students.
“He knows when you need him,” added Aaron Lynch, 13. “He’ll sit next to us and hug us.”
Special education teacher Kathy Noland said she came up with the idea to have a full-time therapy dog in the classroom a few years ago. “I brought the crazy idea to (the principal) and she said yes. I almost fell on the floor,” Noland said.
School officials found a special breeder and were able to bring Hudson to school in 2014 after he was properly trained. He lives with Noland who brings him to school every day.
There were some minor growing pains (Hudson peed in the classroom a few times), but he eventually learned his schedule and routine. First period: language arts. Then science, social studies, math and lunch. His favorite class: last period gym.
Over the last two years Hudson has found ways to help kids in individual ways, said Noland. One student would get really nervous speaking to strangers but petting Hudson would help calm him down. Another student was very shy around others but working with Hudson helped him gain confidence and try out for the soccer and baseball teams.
“All those little tiny things that make someone whole, Hudson is very helpful in filling those things in,” Noland said.
Principal Lenore Kingsmore said Hudson has helped teach students soft skills like responsiblity and empathy. The students have learned to care for Hudson, sometimes taking him out for walks or feeding him treats during snack time. “You have to be able to walk in someone’s shoes or in this case, someone’s paws … that’s how you teach them empathy, respect,” Kingsmore said.
Other times teachers will ask if Hudson can visit another classroom for a few hours to help a student who is having a bad day. He’s become an integral part of the school and even stared in “Annie” as the orphan girl’s dog, Sandy.
“He has helped the entire school come together,” Noland said.
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Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, https://www.app.com
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