COMPANIONSHIP: Poly welcomes a new therapy dog.
By Abigail Burke, Staff Writer
Teaching students with learning disabilities proves a unique challenge, especially if students shown signs of anxiety when it comes to any type of learning. Fortunately, teachers and researchers including Poly’s own Mrs. Lisa Murtaugh are very dedicated to finding ways to combat this and create a happier school environment for all students. Insert Caspian, a four year old English Springer Spaniel who loves cuddling and playing fetch with his tennis ball. But Caspian is not just an average dog; he is a certified therapy dog that works to helps special education students in Mrs. Murtaugh’s classroom.
Scientific studies have shown that there are a multitude of benefits from human and dog interactions. A National Geographic article, “The Healing Power of Dogs,” reported that “simply petting a dog can decrease levels of stress hormones, regulate breathing, and lower blood pressure. Research has also shown that petting releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and affection, in both the dog and the human.” Researchers noticed that these benefits can make a huge difference in students with special needs. Schools across the country have taken notice: animals are being integrated into school settings to provide support to students emotionally, behaviorally, physically and academically.
Mrs. Murtaugh had read articles about children with anxiety or autism benefiting from therapy dogs and knew that dogs can help teach children important life skills like empathy and responsibility. When her family got a new dog, Caspian, last Thanksgiving who “lived to be touched and pet,” it seemed like a perfect fit for her classroom. To become a certified therapy dog, Caspian took three lessons at Ruff House, a pet resort that offers dog training. He then underwent an extensive veterinary examination, which required him to take flea and worm medication to ensure his healthiness.
Caspian has already made a positive impact on Mrs. Murtaugh’s students. On multiple occasions, Caspian has aided students who were crying by sitting with them until they were able to return to their work. On another occasion he helped calm a student, who could now complete his or her math assignment. Caspian has even made a connection with a student typically afraid of dogs who, “showed an atypical smile when he was encouraged to pet Caspian’s silky fur,” Mrs. Murtaugh said.
Caspian has already proved himself a vital tool inside the classroom, but his potential extends even beyond to the whole school. “He starts conversations and builds bridges to people we don’t usually get to see or who may not normally have the courage to talk with us,” Mrs. Murtaugh said.