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Lancaster ISD introduces SEL therapy dog 'Roo' as donated support for student well‑being
Summary
District staff introduced 'Roo', an SEL therapy dog donated to Lancaster ISD, and described training, veterinary supports, handler arrangements and an estimated reach of 300–800 student contacts per week; presenters said there was no initial district cost for the donated dog.
Lancaster ISD introduced 'Roo', a donated SEL therapy dog, at the Dec. 3 work session and described how the animal will be used to support student well‑being, attendance and stress reduction.
Dr. Matthews said Roo is in training and will be hosted by a district staff member; secondary handlers will support visits to campuses. He described a training regimen of approximately 24 weeks of beginning to advanced training plus an additional six weeks of therapy‑dog certification before listing through the American Kennel Club. Roo was described as seeing roughly 300 to 800 students per week during brief classroom 'positive pause' visits of about 10 minutes per classroom.
Dr. Matthews said Roo was donated so there was no initial district cost; ongoing expenses (veterinary care, food, supplies and training) have been identified and budgeted. He said campuses that permit visits will designate restful spaces for the dogs and that the program includes handler training and safety protocols.
Trustees asked a lighthearted question about the dog's name and learned the district has Louisiana‑themed names for the therapy dogs. No board action was taken; the program was presented for information and will continue as an operational support for SEL work in classrooms.
