About Me

Hi, my name is "Digger" at school, but when I am at home, my family calls me Beezus. I was named after the character in Beverly Cleary's book Beezus and Ramona. It's one of my favorite books!

I was born on March 21st, 2021. My family adopted me from Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies when I was 5 months old. I weigh about 65 pounds. My favorite hobbies are going for car rides with my head out the window, walks, playing with other dogs, getting belly rubs, and napping on the couch.

My mom and I spent over 2 years in training to earn my therapy dog certification from Alliance of Therapy Dogs. I am so excited to show off my skills at GRE. I will be working at Gold Rush for a few days each week. You may see me greeting students when they come into school, walking the halls, reading in classrooms, or relaxing at my mom's desk in the office.

I absolutely love meeting new people, so don't forget to ask to greet me, or give me a pet the next time you see me 🦮

How I Became the Mascot

When Gold Rush opened in 2008, the community was asked for input on our mascot. A group of students suggested the Golden Retriever because the characteristics that the Golden Retriever embody are the same that we hope to see in our students.

They are kind, playful, friendly, loyal, service oriented and eager to learn.

What is the role of a therapy dog?

Intro to Therapy Dog

How my handler and I became a therapy dog team

Over 2 years of training
Lots of socialization and playdates
Testing and certification through Alliance of Therapy Dogs
DCSD therapy dog handler training
Volunteer visits at local healthcare facilities and school events

Going for the G.O.L.D with Digger

Always ask before approaching me
Use calm voices around me
Be gentle when petting me, don't pull my hair
Give me space if I need a break
Don't give me any snacks or toys without asking Ms. Anita first

Help us improve our program by completing a short survey after your visit with Digger

Digger's Did you Know?

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Reduce Stress and Anxiety:
Studies show that spending time with therapy dogs can help lower cortisol levels, which reduces stress and anxiety in students.
Improve Focus and Learning:
Therapy dogs can help students focus better during reading or learning activities. Programs like "Read to Dogs" have been shown to improve reading fluency and confidence.
Boost Emotional Well-Being:
Interacting with therapy dogs releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and connection.
Support Social Skills:
Therapy dogs encourage communication and social interaction, especially for students who may struggle with social situations.
Provide Comfort During Challenges:
Therapy dogs are often brought into schools after difficult events, such as natural disasters or community tragedies, to provide comfort and emotional support.

Fun and Surprising Facts

Highly Trained Helpers:
Therapy dogs undergo extensive training to ensure they are calm, gentle, and responsive in all situations.
Not Just Dogs:
While dogs are the most common, other animals like cats, rabbits, and even miniature horses can serve as therapy animals in some cases!
Promote Physical Activity:
Therapy dogs can encourage physical activity by engaging students in interactive play.
Bridge for Inclusion:
Therapy dogs are especially helpful for students with special needs, creating a calming and inclusive environment.
Help Teachers Too:
Therapy dogs don’t just support students—they can also help teachers feel less stressed and more connected to their classrooms.

Examples of Success

Higher Attendance Rates:
Schools that have therapy dog programs often report higher attendance rates because students are more excited to come to school.
Global Impact:
Therapy dog programs have been successfully implemented in schools worldwide, from the U.S. to Japan, showing their universal benefits.