Bella, Truman's Therapy dog, is a young golden retriever who lives with Ms. Welborn. Bella comes to school two to three days a week to work with students and help create a safe and positive environment. Research has shown that therapy dogs teach, listen, and are unconditional friends. Research further shows the interaction with a therapy dog in school can reduce blood pressure, promote physical healing, reduce anxiety, fatigue, and depression, as well as providing emotional support for students and teachers. We know that our therapy dog will also provide a sense of comfort, confidence, and companionship to students.
Ms. Welborn, Truman counselor, and her dog Bella have been certified and insured through A New Leash on Life to provide therapy dog services in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Bella recently graduated from the Friends for Folks program this summer and then attended the New Leash certification program. Bella will also work as a therapy dog outside of Truman serving at a variety of nursing homes and the university to provide support to others in our community.
Bella will attend school two to three days a week where she will work to provide numerous services with students and staff in a variety of settings. Bella will be utilized in guidance lessons, small groups, and some individual sessions. All students will be taught the appropriate interactions with a therapy dog. Please let Ms. Welborn know if you have any questions about this program.
Bella Rules:
Approach -
There will be lots of good times when you have the opportunity to say hello to Bella, but only approach Bella when it is a good time. You should not leave a classroom or jump out of a class line, these are not responsible times to visit Bella.
When you approach Bella, walk up slowly and ask to pet her. Tell her to sit. This is especially important at recess where students are running from place to place.
Bella can have up to 4 students with her. If there are already 4 students around Bella, you need to wait for someone to leave before you approach.
Ask -
You must ask to pet Bella and I must respond back to you before you pet her. This ensures that I am aware of both Bella’s behavior and the students' actions. Remember Bella is still young and energetic, you need to be calm around her so she knows to be calm at school.
Pet -
Bella likes to smell a closed hand first and then get scratched and be pet. Bella should be in the sit or down position for most petting times. You may ask Bella to sit, lay and shake. She likes to listen to you and do tricks.
Goodbye -
Sometimes, Bella will have a larger group of students who want to say hi. Since only 4 are allowed around her at a time, we need to say “hi” to Bella, pet her and then give others a turn, unless you are working with her in a different setting.
