Elementary School-Based Facility Dog
Donation protected
This past year, our school district conducted a study group consisting of parents, teachers, and administration on the effects of a school facility dog. Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in childhood anxiety, trauma, and depression in even our very young children. Though this year-long study, the group concluded that the use of a facilities dog could have an enormous positive impact on our students social and emotional well being. The facilities dog would provide unconditional love and comfort for many of our young learners that struggle staying focused due to outside or internal factors. Therefore, it was approved, and a process was created by the school district to allow our schools to have highly trained and certified Canine Good Citizen dogs within our buildings.
I was a part of the committee as the K-1 East Elementary school principal and went in with the mindset that this was not going to be advantages for our children and was against having a facility dog at school. However, after our study together, my mind was slowly changed and was convinced that there are many benefits. My love for children is fierce, and I will do whatever it takes to give a child a comforting and successful learning environment!
So the journey begins to have a facility dog attend East Elementary. 
Meet Rosko! He is a Goldendoodle a little over a year old. He is a fantastic dog who loves to be right by your side and loves people, especially children. Like most Goldendoodles, he is gentle, astute and a cuddler! He has attended basic training with me as his handler and does terrific. Recently we met with a trainer who specializes in training dogs and their handlers in becoming school-based facility dogs. Having Rosco trained at this facility requires a time commitment as the handler and a financial commitment that I feel is worth the benefits that our students, staff, and community will receive and enjoy for years to come.
Meet Rosko! He is a Goldendoodle a little over a year old. He is a fantastic dog who loves to be right by your side and loves people, especially children. Like most Goldendoodles, he is gentle, astute and a cuddler! He has attended basic training with me as his handler and does terrific. Recently we met with a trainer who specializes in training dogs and their handlers in becoming school-based facility dogs. Having Rosco trained at this facility requires a time commitment as the handler and a financial commitment that I feel is worth the benefits that our students, staff, and community will receive and enjoy for years to come.
Here is where we need you. I am asking for your help. The cost of the training is $3600. Rosko and I need to raise $2600 to fund this adventure together fully.
I love Rosko and know that his presence at East Elementary can help many of our students who need a warm fuzzy companion to turn to while starting their learning adventure, dealing with anxiety, trauma or love having a dog to read to throughout the school day!
Thank you for your donations and support. When fully funded, you can follow Rosko's journey at East Elementary through our school facebook page.
East Elementary
East Elementary
Organizer
Dawn Hickman
Organizer
Wright City, MO
