If there’s one animal in the world that is known for their calming nature and has the ability to keep nerves at bay, it’s dogs. Stephen T. Badin High School introduced its first therapy dog to the Ramily in spring 2018.

Longtime counselor Angie Bucheit is part of the reason Rudy came to roam the halls of the school in the first place. Rudy was chosen through a special grant, and it’s a decision the school does not regret.

“Sometimes kids come in and they don't necessarily want to talk where just sitting with a dog makes them feel better,” Bucheit said.

At one point or another, the majority of Badin’s students and staff have gotten the opportunity to just hang out with Rudy and gaze into her warm brown eyes. She’s a very special animal who’s been trained to be the go-to guide when somebody needs counseling. In this way Rudy is a very prominent figure at Badin.

“It has become a widely accepted fact that dogs have a sixth sense: compassion,” according to writer Heather Burdo.

It’s these qualities dogs seem to possess that can truly impact a student’s day.

Senior Audrey Horsely spends her study hall just outside the counseling office and sees Rudy almost everyday. She has shared the difference she’s noticed in the atmosphere from a time before and after Rudy arrived at Badin.

“Everyone likes coming to the counselors more and is more open to talking about themselves,” Horsely said.

It is found that more and more students are not as afraid to pop in to see the counselors when they have the opportunity to visit Rudy also.

“There are kids that’ll come in having a terrible day, we have no idea what’s going on but they’ll just lay there and they feel better… There are kids that take Rudy on a walk each day. There are kids that bring Rudy to the gym because it helps,” Bucheit said.

Badin has been transformed by this labradoodle, and it's not just the faculty that notices it.

For the Bucheit family, Rudy has taken on a very important role in their lives. Not only acting as a therapy dog, Rudy is an official member of their household and brings them constant joy.

“I’m definitely happier because I had always wanted a pet,” sophomore Emma Buchiet said. “She’s really nice to cuddle with when watching a movie.”

With Rudy being an ever friendly and furry presence, surely the whole school will come to benefit from her, even if for the longest time, no one really knew whether she was a boy or a girl.

“I don’t blame them because I thought it was wrong at first, I thought it was Ruby,” Bucheit said.

http://barkswellsf.com/why-dogs-make-great-companions/