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Parent proposes therapy dog 'Bruno' for Hoosac Valley schools; committee says policy needed
Summary
A parent, Abby Ruble, presented a therapy-dog proposal for the district and showed Bruno's training and certifications; the committee welcomed the idea but said current policy does not permit placement and asked the policy subcommittee to review potential authorizing language and an MOA.
Abby Ruble presented a proposal to the Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee on Oct. 21 to bring a therapy dog named Bruno into the schools, describing Bruno’s training and how the animal could support students’ well-being.
Ruble said Bruno, a hypoallergenic Bassetdoodle who turned one in late September, has completed Puppy I and II, Canine Good Citizen and Tricks certification; he passed Therapy I and is enrolled in Therapy II, with his final therapy class scheduled for Nov. 7. Ruble emphasized that Bruno is “not a service dog” and described research linking therapy animals to reduced anxiety and improved attendance.
Committee members welcomed the idea as a possibility but stressed policy and liability steps must come first. Erin Milne noted the current district policy does not allow therapy animals and recommended the policy subcommittee review and, if appropriate, draft changes. Superintendent Aaron Dean said the district would need a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to outline specifics, and Mike Henault raised liability concerns and asked for supporting materials to be provided to the policy subcommittee. Adam Emerson asked whether Bruno would be present daily; Ruble said Bruno “can’t be their main source of support” and would not be in school every day.
No vote was taken; the proposal will proceed to the policy subcommittee and return to the full committee if the subcommittee recommends a policy change.
