Lending a helping paw

​Aplington-Parkersburg Schools has added a second therapy dog for the school district this year.

​Phoebe, a one-year-old labradoodle, is putting in work at the Aplington building after going through training with My Angel with Paws, Inc. based out of Conrad.

​While the majority of Phoebe’s day is spent in the middle school wing, the elementary students also enjoy special greetings from her during recess and passings in the hallway. 

   As a therapy dog, Phoebe is working to provide comfort and emotional support to any and all students in the district. This may include: students having a chance to take Phoebe for a walk, Phoebe sitting or laying next to students while they are in class, students gaining confidence in their reading by reading aloud to Phoebe, students may also give their speeches with Phoebe by their side. 

   Willow, the school’s first therapy dog, has taught staff at the school that the comfort of an animal can really help a large majority of students. ​From students taking a moment to bond with the dogs after difficult life situations have happened to finding pride and responsibility in helping take them for walks.

   A-P looks forward to Phoebe continuing her work that supports the mental and emotional health of the Falcon student body.