Panther Pups Program

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Phremjit ZANNIER PORZELLA

Dear Parents,

Research supports the value of animals in providing support and comfort to people of all ages (This New York Times article summarizes and links to a recent study).  Therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and service animals play many roles in our homes and communities. We are excited to introduce you to the ISB Panther Pups program.  Last spring, we shared this pilot program with our community, focusing the initiative in the HS, particularly during exams.  

Our pilot program was very successful with students and adults finding the support of the dogs to be valuable in multiple situations.  This year, we will be continuing with this initiative and expanding it into the Middle School and Elementary School.

A team of administrators in collaboration with Stefan Schmidt and Fabia Feuerabendt, Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist have worked to develop the parameters and guidelines for this program to ensure the health and safety of all students and adults as well as the wellbeing of the dogs.  Currently we have four trained dogs as part of our Panther Pups pack:  Charlie and Xena are both golden retrievers, Poe Poe is a Westie, and Simba is a lab-cattle dog cross.  This is not a bring your pet to school program, but another element of our dedication to health and wellbeing. All dogs participating have been evaluated by a professional trainer and canine evaluator for temperament and training and are under the supervision and control of their handlers at all times.  The dogs and their handlers are also expected to maintain and extend their levels of training.

Starting August 21, the dogs will be on campus regularly to provide comfort and support to students as well as enhance the overall positive climate of ISB. The benefits of having trained dogs at school are many and include:

Benefits:

  • Providing a calming effect on students and reducing stress

  • Improving self-esteem, relieving anxiety and lifting mood

  • Increasing openness and socialization with others

  • Teaching compassion and respect for other living things

  • Reducing blood pressure and stimulating the senses

What do our students say about the benefits of dogs in school?

They make my day better!!–Grade 11  Student

Whenever I see them my mood is immediately lifted, even when I am having a very bad day. seeing them always makes me happy and I’m sure many other people feel the same way–Grade 10 Student

It positively lifts my mood and relieves my anxiety for a bit. –Grade 12 Student

Considerations:

  • All of our Panther Pups are required to have and maintain a high standard of training and be professionally evaluated for temperment.

  • All of our Panther Pups will be on a leash and wear a collar when on school grounds; they will not be free to roam.

  • All of our Panther Pups’ vaccines are up to date and they are bathed/groomed regularly.

  • All of our Panther Pups will have access to food and water and will be taken outside for bathroom breaks throughout the day.

  • All of our Panther Pups will have a designated area  when not in classrooms or engaging with students.

Locations:

  • Charlie’s designated area will be in the counseling offices, Xena in the Admissions area, Poe in the Risk Management area, and Simba in the Elementary offices.

  • All of the dogs will be available to join in classrooms as requested by teachers.

  • Students will be given opportunities to schedule time with the dogs through their counseling offices or division coordinator(s).

  • The dogs may also be in the hallways interacting with students.

If you do NOT want your child to interact with the dogs due to allergies or for any other reason, please sign and return this FORM.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:  

 

Kind regards,

Debi Caskey

Deputy Head of School for Learning

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