The presence of a therapy dog at a school is not unheard of, but this particular dog is considerably bigger than some of the educators.
A new therapy dog has recently joined the student body at Riverbend Primary School, which is located in Rockingham County, Virginia. The fact that this dog weighs a whopping 200 pounds is, without a doubt, what sets him apart from others.
The therapy dog at the school where he works is a massive mastiff named Gabe. He is larger than many of the students and even some of the teachers at the institution where he works. The children absolutely adore spending time with him because, despite his enormous size, he has a kind and gentle demeanor.
In order for the students to be considered for a one-on-one session with Gabe, they must first write him a letter detailing the reasons why they believe it is necessary for them to spend some quality time with him. Gabe goes through all of his mail and selects the children who, in his opinion, are in the most desperate need of him.
After being selected, the students have the opportunity to spend some time alone with Gabe, which allows them to refresh themselves before returning to the classroom. Gabe is a hard worker who also takes pleasure in his profession. Nevertheless, he does more for the children than simply comfort and support them.
Additionally, Gabe instills in them a sense of responsibility. The pupils are responsible for ensuring that Gabe has access to water and for walking him regularly. He makes it clear to them that caring for an animal is a significant responsibility and that despite the fact that he is a giver, he, too, has needs that must be met.
The teachers are able to provide more effective support for their students as a result of Gabe sharing all of the letters that he receives with them so that they can gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding their students. This arrangement is beneficial to both the teachers and the students, as well as Gabe, who takes pleasure in his work.
The incorporation of therapy dogs into the school setting has a number of potential benefits for the students, including the enhancement of students’ problem-solving abilities, the reduction of disruptive behaviors, and the promotion of a sense of calm and compassion and understanding among the students. It is essential to understand that dogs used in therapy are not the same as dogs used in service work.
The presence of the dogs is intended to provide psychological support and comfort in the primary role. They receive training, but they also rely on the natural social instincts and abilities that they were born with to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being among the students they interact with, which ultimately results in improved attendance and enhanced abilities.
Therapy canines can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most important quality they should possess is an innate capacity for empathy and a willingness to fulfill their role. Gabe exemplifies both of these qualities to a high degree.
We hope that it was enjoyable for you to see how Gabe was able to make a difference in the lives of these young children. As always, I encourage you to talk about this with your other friends.