PERRY TWP. ‒ Ireland McGonagle was all smiles snuggled to Bentley, providing him kisses on the nose. She ran her by far his fluffy golden-brown coat.
“It does not matter if you having a good or a bad day,” the seventh grader said. “A brief time with him and he makes you feel good.”
The 6-year-old golden retriever is a qualified treatment dog that invests his days with his owner Beth Whaley, a family-support professional at Perry Local’s Edison Middle School. He likewise check outs Pfeiffer Intermediate School.
A group of Bentley’s unique good friends collected just recently to commemorate Bentley making his 100th treatment check out.
They sported Tee shirts that asked “Where’s Bentley?” It’s something Whaley says she hears 100 times a day from trainees – and staff – searching for their canine friend.
During the week leading up to Bentley’s 100th check out, trainees took part in a variety of activities focused around the treatment dog, consisting of coloring pictures of him, a word search and a Where’s Bentley contest that asked trainees to recognize 20 locations Bentley took an image at the school.
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Why does Perry Local Schools have a treatment dog?
As a family-support professional, Whaley assists kids and households in crisis, offering whatever help she can to resolve their requirements. Right by her side is Bentley.
Bentley consults with various groups throughout the week to assist with social abilities, high stress and anxiety or kids who may be experiencing an issue at home like divorce or a death, Whaley said.
“Sometimes they simply animal Bentley. It’s a time to breathe for them,” she said. “He strolls through the corridors like he owns the location and the kids come right as much as him.”
Bentley has the capability to acknowledge when somebody requires him.
“It seems like he understands what you are feeling without needing to state it,” 13-year-old seventh grader Tyler James said. “He’ll take a seat beside you and put his paw on you as if he is stating, ‘It’s OK.'”
Elisabeth Daugintis, 14, said even if you are not a dog fan, Bentley can constantly bring a smile.
“I feel much better and more secure,” the 8th grader said. “I’m constantly delighted when I understand he is going to be at school.”
Her twin sibling, Amelia concurs.
“At points, I didn’t wish to go to school,” she said. “But Bentley relaxes my nerves. If I’m taking a test, he makes me feel much better. I understand whatever is okay. He does not judge.”
Lori Mizer, Edison secretary, said Bentley’s existence has a favorable influence on the trainees and staff.
“Bentley puts a smile on everybody’s face,” she said.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected].
On Twitter: @aknappINDE
