LASD Therapy Dog Program
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the Lehighton Area School District is excited to welcome a therapy dog to our team. Angelo, a chocolate Labrador retriever, will be visiting students during the school day. We hope this initiative will become a lasting part of our approach to support the social and emotional well-being of our students, contributing positively to their mental health.
Angelo will 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 aim 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 connections within the school community. This program has the potential to enhance overall well-being and facilitate more effective learning.
BENEFITS
Research has shown that animals used in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) can provide significant benefits. In the school context, however, Angelo will be 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
A little information about Angelo, our 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 and they needed to find permanent homes for the 5 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 Alliance of Therapy Dogs over the summer of 2024, and has loved coming into the buildings so far!
Angelo's favorite thing to do is play fetch. He could play for hours! He loves people and getting snuggled. Baby carrots are one of his favorite snacks to munch on!
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 Angelo.
-
When Angelo is not working, he will be under the supervision of designated school staff, in an authorized area.
-
Angelo 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 Angelo.
-
Some children may have a fear of dogs - Angelo will only be in contact with children that want to work with him.
-
Angelo will have valid and up to date immunizations and vaccines
For more information, please contact Mary Figura at mfigura@lehighton.org or Amanda Citro at acitro@lehighton.org