Board approves school pet-therapy visits by Nico, a certified dog, for emotional support

The Dixon County Board on Aug. 28 approved allowing Nico, a certified pet-therapy dog handled by student-support specialist Angie Deloge, to visit district schools to provide emotional support to students in crisis and during other support activities.

Deloge explained that Nico has completed canine-good-citizen (CGC) training, is insured and has been volunteering at a local nursing home for about six months. She described the handler responsibilities for ongoing checks before public visits and said she personally spent time and money on training and certification.

"He's certified," Deloge said, describing the CGC process and handler responsibilities for monitoring the dog’s readiness for public work.

Board members moved and seconded approval contingent on following any related district procedures; one board member asked staff to ensure Nico’s visits follow the same protocols the district uses for similar animal-assisted interventions. The motion to approve Nico’s school visits passed by voice vote with all ayes.