LASD Therapy Dog Program
The Lehighton Area School District started our therapy dog program in the 2024–2025 school year and has been expanding since. This initiative has become a lasting part of our approach to support the social and emotional well-being of our students, contributing positively to their mental health.
Our therapy dogs work hard to support students and staff in the school environment, particularly those facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, language barriers, and other mild mental health issues. The goal is to reduce stress and anxiety during school activities. With lower anxiety levels, students may find it easier to focus in class, feel more comfortable speaking with counselors and teachers, and establish meaningful connections within the school community. This program enhances overall well-being and promotes more effective learning.
Benefits
Research has shown that animals used in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) can provide significant benefits. In the school context, however, our therapy dogs are utilized for Animal Assisted Activities (AAA). Additional objectives for successful AAA visits include:
● Increase communication skills
● Foster trust
● Reduce anxiety and ease stress
● Reduce isolation and loneliness
● Allow for self-regulation
● Improve self-esteem and feelings of self-worth
● Improve socialization
● Increase attentiveness and engagement
● Acquire skills of acceptance and being non-judgmental
● Reduce inappropriate social behavior
● Improve physical and psychological well-being
● Build kindness, compassion, and empathy in students
Important Information for Parents & Guardians
• Families can decline their student having contact and/or participation with the therapy dog program and events by completing and submitting the form found here: /fs/resource-manager/view/d025d9bf-ac84-4b36-af23-527e655c3f42
• All contact will be planned, and children will not be left unsupervised with our therapy dogs.
• When our therapy dogs are not working, they will be under the supervision of designated school staff in an authorized area.
• Our therapy dogs will not be a distraction to student learning, but rather an enhancement to our ideas for social-emotional growth.
• No child will ever be forced to interact directly with our therapy dogs.
• Some children may have a fear of dogs – our therapy dogs will only be in contact with children who wish to work with them.
• Our therapy dogs will have valid and up-to-date immunizations and vaccines.
A Little Information About Our Therapy Dogs
Meet Angelo!
Angelo, a chocolate Labrador retriever, was our first therapy dog. Two of the District’s dedicated teachers, Brad and Christina Haupt, are the primary handlers and owners of Angelo.
Angelo started his service career with Vet2Vet, a non-profit organization that trained service dogs for veterans. During Christmas break of 2023, the Haupts were approached by one of the members of Vet2Vet, Denise Vansickle, and told that unfortunately the non-profit was going to dissolve come the new year. They needed to find permanent homes for the five dogs that were currently being trained. The Haupts readily offered to take Angelo into their home with the promise that they would continue his service work through becoming a certified therapy dog for the Lehighton Area School District.
Angelo was certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs over the summer of 2024 and has loved coming into the buildings ever since! Angelo's favorite thing to do is play fetch—he could play for hours! He loves people, getting snuggled, and munching on baby carrots, one of his favorite snacks.
Meet Ruger!
Ruger is a 4-year-old Golden Retriever who brings joy, calm, and comfort to students and staff across the Lehighton Area School District. He is owned and cared for by Mrs. Rachel Atwood, a devoted paraprofessional at the Elementary Center.
Ruger’s gentle nature and loving personality make him a natural fit for his role as a therapy dog. He enjoys going for walks, riding in his family’s side-by-side, and spending time with his new “fur brother,” Tucker, a lively 5-month-old Golden Retriever. Ruger loves being around people and never turns down an opportunity for pets or belly rubs!
This past summer, Ruger earned his official therapy dog certification and began volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital in Carbon County, where he brings comfort and smiles to patients and staff alike. Now, Ruger is thrilled to extend that same warmth and joy to students and staff in the Lehighton Area School District.
Ruger is excited to continue spreading happiness, healing, and positivity throughout our schools this year!
For more information, please contact:
Sandra Michalik – smichalik@lehighton.org
Amanda Citro – acitro@lehighton.org
