Advocates demand retirement for overworked therapy dog Dakota

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

During the Walled Lake Consolidated School District Board of Education meeting on November 7, 2024, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the welfare of Dakota, a therapy dog at Walled Lake Western High School. Advocate Andy Klassa passionately addressed the board, highlighting Dakota's health issues, including heart problems, arthritis, and anxiety. Klassa criticized the dog's demanding schedule, which includes attending three to five classes daily without the recommended decompression time, arguing that this workload is excessive for a therapy dog.

Klassa emphasized the importance of adhering to national standards for therapy dogs, which suggest a maximum of two hours of work per day and a 90-minute break. He pointed out that other districts, such as Heartland and Brighton, follow these guidelines, raising questions about the district's practices. He also expressed concern about Dakota's future, noting that the average lifespan of a therapy dog is around 10 to 12 years, and urged the board to consider Dakota's retirement, stating that her contributions to the community have been invaluable.

Hillary Glaser, president of the PTSA at Geisler Middle School, also spoke in support of the therapy dog program, acknowledging the positive impact therapy dogs have on students and the broader school community. She addressed concerns about the well-being of therapy dogs, reinforcing the need for proper care and consideration for their health.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing awareness and advocacy for the humane treatment of therapy animals within the school district. As the board considers these concerns, the community is eager to see how they will respond to ensure the well-being of Dakota and the future of the therapy dog program.

Converted from WLCSD Board of Education Meeting - November 7, 2024 meeting on November 08, 2024
Link to Full Meeting