Maggie the Comfort Dog Visits The Chapel School

Bronxville, NY- On Wednesday, September 25th, students at The Chapel School in Bronxville were treated to a visit from their favorite four legged friend… Maggie the Comfort dog! This beautiful golden retriever from Newtown, Connecticut is a trained Comfort Dog that interacts with people at schools, churches, disaster response situations and other events. She brings comfort and a calming influence to all those in her presence. Maggie has a very busy schedule visiting hospitals, nursing homes, shut-ins and other schools.

On Wednesday, each of the classes at The Chapel School gathered one at a time in the school library. The students were able to pet Maggie and learn more about the wonderful work that she does. “Maggie will be eight years old in January,” stated her handler. This led to some excited reactions from the students. “She’s so calm.” As soon as the class sat down around her, Maggie laid down. “She lays down when there is group so there is more area for people to pet.” They then had a question and answer session with her handlers. “Why does she wear a blue vest?” The students were fascinated to learn that like them, Maggie wears a uniform. “She knows she is at work when she wears her vest.” When the vest comes off Maggie likes to run and play just like every other dog. “How did she get this job?” The golden retriever puppies enter training when they are eight weeks old, and depending on their temperament and personality will go on to receive 2000 hours of training. “Each month we as handlers also receive training.” The comfort dog program began with four dogs and now there are over 130 dogs that make visits throughout the country, especially after disasters or traumatic events. “Maggie flies on an airplane just like you and me,” stated the handler. “We have received notes and cards in the mail after flights thanking us and letting us know the other passengers enjoyed flying with her.”

Everyone that stopped by the throughout the day could feel her calming presence. As each class came into the library, they quietly sat down around her. “Maggie’s back!”, “She is so peaceful!” “I love when Maggie comes to visit!” students exclaimed walking into the library.

It was amazing to see how still and relaxed Maggie stayed throughout the day. She is almost eight years old and received very rigorous training as a puppy. Comfort dogs begin training when they are just a few weeks old. Puppies are selected based on their temperament and how they interact with people, other animals, and strangers. Maggie definitely had a positive impact on all the children and staff of The Chapel School. “We look forward to her next visit!”

The Chapel School is located on 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville, New York. For more information about The Chapel School and its programs, please call 914-337-3202 or visit the website at www.thechapelschool.org