Schooled by a dog -- from wounded shelter pooch to school hero | Judy Winter | TEDxLansingED

In 2009, I adopted a wounded, year-old shelter pooch, spent eight months rehabilitating Jack, and took tests required to become a certified therapy dog/handler through Therapy Dogs International (TDI). We first got our paws/hands wet volunteering at a children's grief center, visiting hospitals and at a summer camp for those with exceptionalities.
We then approached DeWitt's Schavey Road Elementary and proposed working with their 1st/2nd graders. They agreed. We began volunteering directly with the school's counselor, part of the school's Positive Behavior Support effort.
Jack's everyone's dog and provides emotional support. He spends valuable one-on-one time weekly with students most in need. We model lessons about overcoming odds, celebrating diversity (Jack has no tail) and friendship, helping to counter bullying. "Jack's Rules for School Cool" hang throughout the building. He's a motivator and soft place for kids to fall during tough moments. He makes school fun. When words/adults fail, Jack gets the job done.Our first school year was so successful, we were asked back for a second and took on the 3rd/4th grade building, too. We're now in our third year and have added the kindergarten center, with requests to visit the high school.
Judy Winter is an award-winning writer, national speaker, advocate and the author of "Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations." She is the recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Communication Arts & Sciences at Michigan State University. Judy is co-founder of the Eric "RicStar" Winter Music Therapy Summer Camp at MSU.
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[@hankwang2951]

This lady has a tremendous heart!

[@robertojaden2378]

InstaBlaster...

[@PawsuasiveDogTeaching]

I am pretty sure my Ruby was abused before we met. She was absolutely scared to death of brooms. Which kind of worked out for me actually. All I had to do is put a broom against the wall and she would not go in that area at all. Now she can walk by a broom no problem. She also had a warning on her paperwork to have 2 people handle her. Now she the star of our TH-cam channel and I have never used any devices that cause pain to teach her in the past 2 years that I have had her.

[@alexandraappel4712]

Yes. You and Jack are right on - Therapy Dogs in every school. Thank you.

[@siobhanhowland3511]

Alexandra Appel
Ll

[@tbateman9902]

Belgian Malinois!

[@freddiejohnsonjr503]

Can we put dogs in schools to check for guns and drugs❓

[@DougHinVA]

she is not a comedienne while reading from her notes

[@tbateman9902]

Lol......spell much?