Steve the Therapy Dog

About Steve

Mrs. Douglas and Steve are registered as a team through Pet Partners. To belong to Pet Partners, all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a team.  A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperament. Each dog must pass a temperament evaluation for suitability to become a therapy dog. The test also includes the evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.). There are specific guidelines to meet cleanliness and grooming requirements. Steve is a F1B Goldendoodle breed, which is one of the hypoallergenic breeds of dogs. He is brushed daily, bathed as needed, and groomed every six weeks, which will minimize allergic contact. He is also required to stay current on canine vaccinations to maintain certification. Handlers are trained to notice potential harm to either a child or their dog.

 

Steve's Purpose

Research has shown that therapy dogs in schools can increase reading skills (students reading to the dog), as well as contribute to social and emotional development. A therapy dog’s presence has been shown to reduce anxiety, help students work though anger management, reduce bullying tendencies, and address other personal/social issues. 

 

Rules for Steve

There are rules in place in order to keep students safe and Steve safe.  Click to see the rules to follow in classrooms and in hallways.

Steve the Therapy Dog Ground Rules

 

Opt-Out Form

We understand that not everyone may be comfortable interacting with a dog.  Only if you would NOT like your student to have contact with Steve, please fill out the Opt-Out Form and return to Mrs. Douglas. 

Therapy Dog Opt-Out Form

 

Steve in the News

Click here to read about Steve's activity in our community.

• Park Hill Star Award - December 2022 
• National Dog Week: A day in the life of Steve the Therapy Dog - September 2022
• Alpha Delta Kappa Missouri Omicron Chapter Presentation - September 2022
• Civic Leadership Award - August 2022
• Platte County Citizen - November 2021