The Secret Life
of Prada

Prada, the 3-year-old Labrador Retriever and therapy dog of Menasha High School, is well known and beloved by the staff and students. She became a part of the Menasha High School family during this 2023-2024 school year.  Even though it has not been yet a year, students and staff already greet her in the hallway like she has reached celebrity status. Who wouldn't when she’s that adorable? 

Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed to be used for service and therapy dogs, so not only is she adorable but also great at her job. Although, how much does anyone really know about Prada herself, besides her wagging tail and calming presence?

Lynn Melendy, the Student Services secretary and whose home Prada stays at off-duty, has the inside scoop on the MHS celebrity.

First things first— Where does the name Prada even come from? 

“The place she came from, Can Do Canines,” Melendy said.  “Each class of dogs they train have the same beginning letter.” 

Prada’s name obviously begins with a “P” and the dog that is going to Maplewood’s name is Piper.

Prada was initially meant to be a service dog; for people with complications like low blood sugar and seizures.  She was trained at Can Do Canines in Minnesota for two years.

But her service dog training changed to therapy dog training when the trainers discovered Prada had some complications.

“She had a problem with her esophagus, or throat,” Melendy said.

Prada’s medical issues may be unfortunate for her service dog training, but her new role as therapy dog at the high school sure isn't. 

Melendy said she sees how Prada is a joy to staff and students both, and they all like to stop by and give her a belly rub once in a while. Though, she does not get to see Prada all day.

“I mostly handle her outside of school,” Melendy said.  “I'll take her for a walk at lunch, or walk her around when Mrs. Schultz isn't here, but it's mostly in the evenings and weekends.”

During the day, Prada just resides inside school counselor Lauren Schultz’s office. She seems to be pretty behaved there, but off-duty Prada is a bit different.

Melendy said Prada has two personalities: a more serious one for her work, yet a contrasting and silly one for at home. 

Melendy has another dog too, and Prada is a great companion. They play together just fine, and believes Prada would have the same manner with a cat.

“She's a very different dog. She's a little crazy, and she does zoomies.”

Though Melendy adds that Prada is well-behaved, she just has her average dog quirks sometimes.

“She takes food off the counter… and she's just much more energetic.”

Her devotion to the school isn't affected by this though, Melendy said. She knows when it's time for her to switch back into the Prada that is known at the school. 

“When you put on her harness and the bandana in the morning, or ‘get her dressed’, she knows it’s time for work. When it comes off later, she’s back to being a regular dog.”