Who’s a good boy? Meet Willy, the furry new addition bringing smiles and comfort to Wilmington schools! This mini-bernedoodle isn’t just cute; he’s an emotional support sensation, helping students navigate life’s challenges. What incredible impact can one wagging tail make?
The halls of Wilmington Area School District have welcomed a heartwarming new member, a furry friend whose presence is profoundly impacting student well-being and fostering a sense of calm within the educational environment. This innovative approach to student support centers around Willy, a charming emotional support dog, who has quickly become an integral and beloved part of the school community. His arrival marks a significant step in enhancing the mental health resources available to students, offering comfort and companionship during challenging times.
For 18-year-old Ella Lipo, a recent graduate, Willy’s gentle presence offered solace during a period of immense personal grief. Having grown up next door to her grandmother, Marlene Hauger, a long-time secretary for the school district, Ella shared a deep bond, including daily school rides and working alongside her in the school office. The unexpected loss of Marlene just weeks before Ella’s graduation left her feeling adrift, a poignant void that Willy, with his intuitive nature, helped to gently bridge.
Willy, a six-month-old mini-bernedoodle, is more than just a cute face; he is officially the school district’s dedicated emotional support dog. His name, a nod to “Wilmington schools,” symbolizes his deep connection to the community he serves. Under the care of high school counselor Katie Gray, Willy represents a proactive step by the district to provide accessible and unconventional support for its students, emphasizing the tangible benefits of animal-assisted intervention in a school setting.
The concept of incorporating a therapy animal was not new to counselor Katie Gray. Following a tragic student death a few years prior, the school district had experienced the positive impact of certified therapy dogs from Lawrence County Comfort Canines. Witnessing firsthand how these dogs could bring comfort and provide a unique outlet for students reaffirmed Gray’s conviction that a permanent emotional support dog could significantly enhance the school’s mental health framework, especially in supporting student well-being.
Driven by this conviction, Gray approached Superintendent Dr. Terence Meehan with the proposal to bring a therapy animal into the district. The opportunity arose when an elementary teacher’s dog had a litter of mini-bernedoodles, presenting the perfect chance to introduce Willy. The district’s swift approval underscored its commitment to exploring diverse and effective methods for student care, recognizing the profound psychological benefits a trained canine companion could offer.
Willy’s journey is one of continuous growth and development. While his socialization training is ongoing within the bustling school environment, his formal therapy training is slated to commence when he reaches a year old, under the guidance of DogSmartz Unleashed in New Wilmington. This structured training ensures Willy can effectively perform his duties, further cementing his role as a vital resource for students. His presence also indirectly encourages academic engagement, with teachers noting how he motivates students, for instance, to read to him.
District director of educational services, Brandon Phillian, encapsulates the widespread sentiment, stating, “Willy has had a tremendously positive impact on our students. He brings a sense of calm and comfort to the building and has quickly become a beloved part of our school community.” Superintendent Meehan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the district’s unwavering priority for student well-being and the recognized powerful benefits a trained support animal offers, affirming Willy’s indispensable role.
