A special furry friend in Caroline Thom’s third grade classroom at John A. Bishop Elementary School in Arlington is alleviating pandemic concerns among students who have spent much of the past year and a half remotely.
Black Lab Elena fits right into the class of about 20 third graders who wander between desks to visit with students or lie in their dog bed while a lesson is being given.
As a trained assistance dog from NEADS, a non-profit aid dog organization based in Princeton, Elena is unimpressed by shaking children, loud noises, or other excitement in the classroom.
“The best thing about having Elena in the classroom is that in case you are sad, she comes over and sits next to you so you can pet her and then she makes you happier than you usually are said 8-year-old Elise Boneschansker.
Ainslie Collins, 9, said, “I was out of the way last year so it was a really big change and having a dog too was a big change.”
Collins initially said she didn’t want to return to school but quickly changed her mind. “Now I love it … I can’t stop talking about Elena.”
This year is Thom’s second with her beloved Elena and her 29th year at school. She was brought together with Elena after an extensive one and a half year interview and training process carried out by NEADS.
Thom said Elena’s impact on the school community is palpable. “It expresses this joy not only with students, but also with teachers.”
Elena’s mood-lifting presence was more important than ever when students and teachers returned to the classroom after a tumultuous journey through the pandemic.
“I think it gives them a moment to forget what is going on in the world. You can only focus on Elena and Elena is the same no matter what, no matter what. She’s always a very relaxed dog, ”said Thom.
Thom’s students said the same thing. Dante Cusanno, 9, said: “Elena makes us calm and happy all the time.”
NEADS has trained 28 service dogs serving schools across Massachusetts. The dogs are bred by the organization and specially selected for their calm demeanor and ability to work in a high stress environment.
The dogs are extensively trained and socialized before they are referred to their dog handler, a special match that is carried out with the help of NEADS Manager of Client Services Katy Ostroff.
Ostroff said Elena is kind, lovely children and corresponds to Thom’s personality, which makes her a great partner.
“We knew Caroline Elena would give exactly the kind of encouragement any dog needs,” Ostroff told the Herald.
Ostroff said having service dogs like Elena is more important than ever as pandemic stress builds up.
“What better way to dispel fear than a lovable dog?” Said Ostroff.
Thom plans to keep taking Elena to school and hopes she will be able to interact with other classrooms in the near future.