During a recent government meeting, advocates for therapy dogs in local schools raised significant concerns regarding the treatment and workload of Dakota, a therapy dog at Walled Lake Western High School. Andy Klassa, a supporter of Dakota, highlighted the dog's health issues, including heart problems, arthritis, and anxiety, and criticized the lack of communication from school officials regarding these concerns. Klassa emphasized that Dakota's current schedule, which includes attending three to five classes a day without the recommended decompression time, exceeds national standards for therapy dogs.

Klassa pointed out that while national guidelines suggest therapy dogs should work no more than two hours a day and have a 90-minute break, Dakota's workload involves interacting with over 1,200 students, raising questions about the dog's well-being. He also expressed concern about Dakota's future, noting that the average lifespan of an English Labrador is 10 to 12 years, suggesting that the dog may only have one year left for retirement if her current workload continues.

In a poignant moment, Klassa questioned the emotional impact of Dakota's removal from his home, arguing that the dog is not merely property but a vital part of the community's mental health support system. He urged the school board to reconsider Dakota's situation, stating that the current treatment could be seen as \"borderline cruel and abusive.\"

Hillary Glaser, president of the PTSA at Geisler Middle School, also spoke at the meeting, expressing her support for the therapy dog program and acknowledging concerns about the well-being of therapy dogs in the district. The discussions highlighted a growing awareness and advocacy for the humane treatment of therapy animals in educational settings, emphasizing the need for adherence to established guidelines to ensure their health and effectiveness.