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Students present therapy-dog project; board hears plan for 'Winston' to visit schools
Summary
High-school students described training, certifications and costs for 'Winston,' a student-trained therapy dog, and outlined plans for Winston to be a certified therapy animal visiting Seaside schools next year; board praised the project.
Students presented the Seaside Pacifica Helping Pause therapy-animal project and introduced Winston, a trained chocolate Labrador the team expects to bring to Seaside schools next academic year.
One presenter said the dog "is now a certified" therapy animal after completing multiple certifications and training sessions. The students described training with a local trainer and more than 200 hours of logged practice; they said the handler must also complete certification courses through the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals. The presenters thanked mentors and administrators who helped coordinate training and approvals.
Board members asked about costs, schedule and whether Winston had walked school halls; presenters said Winston has been walked in buildings after passing tests and that insurance and handler arrangements are in place before full student interactions next year. The project team estimated purchase and training costs and described partnerships that supported the work.
Board members commended the students’ organization and the program’s potential to help address student mental-health needs by providing stress relief and direct support.
