COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — A pilot program that began with one pup has grown to a pack of four professional facility dogs trained to elevate educational environments and enhance mental health in the Coeur d'Alene School District.
The founding canine, a sweet-natured, black-and-white Bernedoodle named Blue, was introduced at Winton Elementary in 2019. In late December 2022, Atlas Elementary was introduced to building secretary Christine Barber's mini goldendoodle Lulu.
“She loves the kids,” Barber said May 23 while Lulu was visiting the school.
The district officially formed a facility dog policy and a K-9 committee in late 2022 to oversee facility dog use. Now, goldendoodle Charlie and Bernese mountain dog Journey also offer services, via their handlers, Atlas Elementary counselor Desi Bahr and Coeur d'Alene High parent volunteer Connie Anderson, respectively.
“To me, they bridge the gap,” said Blue's handler, Erin Duncan, who works at several schools in the district as a mental health counselor.
To read the full story, visit our news partner the Coeur d'Alene Press.
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