Meet Buster: Red Jacket's Newest Certified Therapy Dog!

Sept. 6th, 2024 - This summer brought exciting news for Red Jacket as our very own emotional support dog, Buster, successfully completed his training to become an official therapy dog. Buster, along with Mrs. Karen Hall, our Coordinator of Special Programs, worked tirelessly over the break to achieve this important certification.

So, what does this mean for our community? A certified therapy dog, like Buster, is trained to work in various community settings, including schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. These special dogs provide comfort, affection, and emotional support to those in need. They help boost confidence, offer motivation, and serve as a source of companionship. To become a therapy dog, they must be friendly to everyone, kept clean and neat, and pass rigorous tests.

At Red Jacket, having a therapy dog in school requires the Superintendent's approval, ensuring that Buster’s presence benefits everyone.

Therapy dogs play a significant role in helping children who may be feeling sad or scared. Their soft, cuddly nature has a calming effect, making kids feel better. For students learning to read, having a therapy dog to read to can reduce nervousness and build confidence. But Buster’s role goes beyond being a comforting presence. He’s trained to help students develop social skills, manage their emotions, and support those who may have learning challenges.

Buster is a Goldendoodle, which means he has hair, not fur, and he doesn’t shed. This breed is hypoallergenic, making Buster a great fit for public places like schools. If your child has a fear of dogs, please reach out to Karen Hall via ParentSquare or email at karen.hall@redjacket.org, so we can ensure that Buster's presence is a positive experience for everyone. Exposure to therapy dogs can even help children overcome their fears of animals.

We’re thrilled to have Buster as part of our Red Jacket family and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students and community!