A Therapy Dog in the Making

In 2022, fifth‑grade teacher Meredith Schaar received a grant to begin therapy dog training for Odie, who was then just one year old. Three years later, Odie is now a beloved and essential member of the Nora Elementary family.

Schaar has taught at the school for more than twelve years and now focuses specifically on math instruction. She first noticed Odie’s potential during puppy training classes, but her commitment deepened after a fire destroyed an apartment complex across from the school.

“We had some kids lose their homes, and they brought in therapy dogs,” Schaar recalls. “It was that moment when I thought, the sweet angel I have at home could be really good for this.”

Motivated by that experience, Schaar applied for a Washington Township Schools Foundation grant to continue Odie’s training. Odie completed training through the American Kennel Club’s Good Canine Citizen program, a certification process that took more than a year.

Fridays With Odie

Now that her training is complete, Odie greets students at the front door every Friday before making her way through the building. She visits each fifth‑grade math class and receives celebrity‑level enthusiasm in the hallways.

“I’m always happy to see her.” gushes fifth grader Mackenzie Jones.

During her planning period, Schaar voluntarily gives up her prep time to bring Odie into additional classrooms.

“We do small groups, read with kids — whatever the teachers need,” Schaar explains. She also sets aside two twenty‑minute blocks for students from other grade levels who may need additional social or emotional support.

Schaar recalls one moment that has stayed with her: “Two years ago, there was a girl who was really upset. She had a lot going on at home. I asked if she wanted Odie with her, and she said yes. Odie sat right in her lap while the girl hugged her from behind. They stayed like that for twenty minutes.”

Schaar works closely with the school’s social worker and resource teacher to identify students who would benefit from one‑on‑one time with Odie. Struggling readers practice by reading aloud to Odie, building confidence without the pressure they may feel in front of teachers or classmates. “She doesn’t judge,” Schaar explains. “She’s just someone who listens.”

Impact Beyond the Classroom

Odie’s influence extends to the entire school community.  “Nothing but positive things have come from her being in this building — not just for the kids, but for the staff as well,” Schaar says.

Over the past three years, Odie has interacted with more than a thousand children, as well as teachers, custodians, and office staff. The only area she avoids is the cafeteria. 

Research shows that petting a dog can reduce stress and help regulate the nervous system, something many staff members appreciate in the course of a busy school day. “Teaching is stressful,” Schaar notes. “Sometimes you just need that exhale. That moment of, let me pet this dog and not think about anything.”

Odie’s calming presence also helps teachers regain instructional time.

“The kids who have trouble controlling their bodies? They’re calm around her,” Schaar explains. “If she can help students settle faster, my transitions are quicker. That means more time to teach.”

Odie’s mission is simple: “Her job is to make you smile, boost your morale, and make you feel better. And she does that all the time.”

Following in Odie’s Pawprints

Odie’s influence has already begun to spread. At Allisonville Elementary, behaviorist Nicholas Bunton recently secured a grant to train his three‑year‑old Cavapoo, Deuce, as a therapy dog.

Bunton provides social‑emotional support to students and was inspired by volunteers from Love on a Leash, who bring trained therapy dogs into the school.

That experience moved him to adopt Deuce and begin the five‑phase therapy dog training program. They have now completed the first phase.

Deuce visits school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bunton schedules structured sessions with students but intentionally leaves room for unexpected needs.

“If I have a kid who is overly emotional, it’s easier to regulate them when Deuce is here,” Bunton says. “Some kids think taking a break is negative. If I have Deuce with me, it’s easier to get them to come with me, and they realize a break isn’t as bad as they think.”

As Deuce progresses in his training, the Allisonville community looks forward to seeing his impact grow, just as Odie’s has at Nora Elementary.

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