Counselor Ellen Knight's partner, Bailey, is cherished by students at two Lawrence elementary schools.
The new assistant counselor at New York and Wakarusa Valley schools has shaggy hair, colorful breath and a limited vocabulary.
But she has impeccable instincts, works her tail off and is great with children.
That comes from no less an authority than 11 kindergartners in Jennifer Fletcher's class at New York who gathered around counselor Ellen Knight and rookie assistant counselor Bailey -- a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever -- to read a book and talk.
"Everybody has been very open to it," said Knight, who is the first counselor in Lawrence public schools to bring a full-time "social dog" to mingle with youngsters.
Trained dogs have been used for years to offer emotional support for people in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. Public schools in Kansas have deployed dogs in the past, but this is the first year a Lawrence counselor officially has taken on the daily responsibility for a program that brings people and dog together for mutual benefit.
Knight bought Bailey so she could complement efforts to counsel about 430 students at New York and Wakarusa Valley schools. They team to reach troubled children, reinforce good behavior and foster a sense of family.
'A working dog'
"She's a working dog," said Knight, who added that Bailey also will appear next month on posters at Payless ShoeSource stores. "She has a job to do during the day. I expect her to work."
During the school year, counselors deal with many different topics, including death, sexual and physical abuse, anger control, divorce, and self-esteem issues.
Bailey offers unconditional love to children struggling with life's challenges. She cares not for economic status, skin color, test scores or any other measure crafted by humans.
"Some kids are really lonely," Knight said. "They can come to school, and this dog can be a friend, be a support."
In other schools, therapy dogs have reduced truancy because children don't want to miss an opportunity to be with the critter.
Knight said Bailey had helped calm students engaging in aggressive behavior. Children arrive in Knight's office to find Bailey resting on a piece of carpet along the wall. Kids are encouraged to pet Bailey or toss a ball to her.
"They calm down for Bailey. That's been really positive."
Talk to the dog
Some students literally explain their problem to Bailey, willing to open up to her rather than an adult.
In the classroom, dog and owner teach lessons to children in all elementary grades.
While taking turns petting Bailey, students in Fletcher's class at New York absorbed a 10-minute lesson on polite behavior. The dog made for a relaxed instructional atmosphere.
Initially, the students crowded around Bailey.
"She's sad," one girl said.
"Or scared," said a boy.
Knight suggested the children give Bailey more space.
"You're making her feel like a doggy sandwich," she said.
After moving back, a boy announced: "Hey, that dog has a pink nose."
"My dog has curly hair," a girl offered. "It isn't a poodle."
"We have a dog that chases neighbors," another student responded.
"How do you clip her nails?" a boy interjected.
Knight quizzed a child: "Are you supposed to be pulling her fur?"
"No."
"How would you feel if she came in here and pulled your hair?"
"Bad."
Bailey seemed to concur and relaxed while Knight continued to read.
-- Tim Carpenter's phone message number is 832-7155. His e-mail address is tcarpenter@ljworld.com.
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