Submitted photograph
Prim, a feminine black Labrador Retriever, might be offered to Davis-Thomas Elementary/Middle School in some unspecified time in the future in mid-June, officers introduced this week.
CHARLESTON —Â A Tucker County college will obtain a remedy canine via First Lady Cathy Justice’s Friends With Paws program.
Prim, a feminine black Labrador Retriever, might be offered to Davis-Thomas Elementary/Middle School in some unspecified time in the future in mid-June, officers introduced this week.
Tora, a feminine Yellow Labrador, was offered to Elkins High School in September.
Prim is likely one of the subsequent six remedy dogs that might be placed in Communities In Schools websites throughout West Virginia as a part of the First Lady’s Friends With Paws initiative.
Adding these six dogs to Friends With Paws will carry the whole variety of remedy dogs placed in West Virginia via this system to 25.
“These therapy dogs will bring friendship, love, and support to their schools,” First Lady Justice stated. “It’s incredible what benefits these dogs bring, not just for the students but for the whole faculty. I look forward to welcoming each one and seeing the amazing work that they do for our students.”
First introduced in March 2022, the Friends With Paws program locations licensed remedy dogs in varied CIS faculties throughout the state, offering companionship and luxury for college kids in want of a lift.
“Having witnessed the incredible impact of the Friends With Paws initiative throughout our state, I’m thrilled to announce its continued growth,” Gov. Jim Justice stated. “This initiative is more than just a program; it’s become a reason for our students to look forward to coming to school. These dogs are the true heroes and joy-bringers in our schools. These new additions will absolutely enhance the lives of the schools they become a part of.”
Therapy dogs are placed in faculties inside CIS counties the place college students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or different at-risk conditions, and are in best want of a assist animal. The dogs function a wholesome and pleasant outlet for these college students to handle trauma and different social-emotional points. Friends With Paws dogs have additionally helped improve college attendance, in addition to serving to college students to observe their studying expertise with solely the remedy canine and trainer current.
The different newly introduced remedy canine displays embody:
Clara, a feminine Golden Retriever, at Brooke Middle School, Brooke County, Feb. 28;
Parker, a male Golden Retriever, at Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County, Feb. 28;
Pixie, a feminine Labradoodle, at Lewisburg Elementary School, Greenbrier County, in mid-March.
Captain, a male Golden Retriever, at Sherman High School, Boone County, in mid-March.
Eli, a male Golden Retriever, at Nutter Fort Primary School, Harrison County, in mid-April.
Throughout the 12 months, occasions might be held at varied faculties to formally welcome the following crop of remedy dogs.
More details about Friends With Paws may be present in Communities In Schools: Friends With Paws, a documentary produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
To view the documentary, go to
