PEEKSKILL-CORTLANDT, NY - From Hendrick Hudson School District: “She is like a 60-pound, living, breathing weighted blanket,” said teacher Christina Feal, describing Ramona, the yellow Labrador retriever who has recently become part of the SAILOR program at Hendrick Hudson High School.
SAILOR stands for Social Academic Independent Living Occupation Recreation program; the two-year old program serves high school students with a variety of needs in the areas of functional behavior skills, social interactions and language.
Feal’s reference to weighted blankets is meaningful. Often used in therapeutic settings, weighted blankets can soothe children with sensory or anxiety issues, and Ramona, who has a calm, relaxed demeanor, is quick to curl up quietly against anyone who happens to be in her vicinity.
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Feal knew that therapy dogs can greatly benefit students with social and language challenges and believed that such a dog could be a great addition to the high school program. “The research supporting the use of dogs in this manner is strong,” said Feal.
In a recent letter to parents, high school principal James Mackin explained the rationale behind bringing Ramona to the school:
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“Ramona will work in the SAILOR program a few days each week as a part of the team. She will help students reach goals related to self-esteem, emotional regulation, friendship and attention
issues, among many others. One of her jobs will be to facilitate meaningful community interactions with students who may find these situations stressful.”
Feal, Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Margaret Ruller and Assistant Principal Laura Neier met with Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown last winter to discuss the possibility of adopting a dog. In May, the district learned that Guiding Eyes had a dog available that might be a good fit for the district.
On August 14, Feal officially adopted Ramona. The lovable lab lives with Feal’s family and comes to work at the high school three days a week.
“Through her calm, affectionate demeanor, she is able to become a facilitator for our students,” said Feal. “Her presence enables our students to have interactions without anxiety.”
In time, Ramona may assist younger students in the district with similar needs. Feal explained that Ramona could help young students who may be too shy to read aloud, serve as a comfort companion or be incorporated into classroom activities to motivate students to participate.
Image via Hendrick Hudson School District
