Comfort Dog Coming To Peabody Public Schools

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Public Schools students will soon have a little furry friend to help them through any tough times.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt said on Monday that he "interviewed several candidates for the position of Peabody's official comfort dog" and will recommend a black Labrador Retriever that he said: "stood out among all those who applied."

If the School Committee gives the tiny gal the thumbs up at its Tuesday meeting, she will join School Resource Officer Eric Ricci as a cuddly sidekick.

"During these uncertain times, comfort dogs fill an important role in bringing a sense of joy and well-being to the many different people with whom they visit and interact," Bettencourt said.

Bettencourt said the puppy will be named and will begin being introduced to the community after the School Committee has its say.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)