It’s the dog days of summer, but soon it will be time for Lakota’s team of therapy dogs to get back to school, where they’ll be busy providing unconditional love and support to Lakota students and staff. Executive Director of Pupil Services Andrea Longworth is top dog of the program for Lakota Local Schools. She arranges for these specially trained dogs and matches them to buildings by demeanor.
“Lakota has therapy dogs to provide students with emotional support and comfort throughout the school setting and to positively influence students’ overall well-being and achievement,” Longworth says. “They've been utilized in a variety of environments, depending on the needs of the building.”
Before they come to school, Lakota’s pack of pups are trained for two years by Circle Tail, a local accredited training organization for assistance dogs. Once they start at Lakota, the dogs participate in the school day to help support students’ physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs. Students and staff receive countless benefits from their presence. Time with furry friends is scientifically proven to increase mood-lifting endorphins, reduce stress and anxiety, improve motivation and self-esteem and teach compassion.
“It doesn't matter what mistake you made that day; they love you no matter what,” Longworth says. “The benefits have been tenfold. The dogs have truly become part of the Lakota culture.”
The first two dogs joined the Lakota staff in 2020, just in time to make online appearances in virtual classes due to Covid. The team has now grown to ten, some of which are assigned to specific buildings, and some that travel between multiple schools.
Serenko is the therapy dog on staff at VanGorden Elementary. This summer, he has enjoyed jumping, swimming and lounging poolside. He’ll be waiting at the front doors to greet students when school starts later this month.
Quizz is enjoying summer but can’t wait to get back to class with the students and staff of Union Elementary. She updated her Final Forms for the new school year and stocked her backpack with a fresh bandana, doggy snacks and school supplies.
The innovative therapy dog program is just one more way that Lakota is Best in Show.
“We are very fortunate that our district has supported this initiative and appreciate the impact that it has had with our students and staff,” Longworth says. “We’ve been able to support our students in a way that other districts aren't.”
Find your Final Forms, school supplies lists and other important details for the 2025-26 school year at the Lakota Back-to-School Hub at LakotaOnline.com.