4 Paws Makes an Impact at McKinley

4 Paws for Ability Visits Sharing is Caring Club
Posted on 01/20/2023
Students in the Sharing is Caring Club at McKinley recently got the opportunity to learn from a 4 Paws for Ability trainer who brought Tamera, a 6-month-old poodle, to the school to learn more about the program and experience some of the benefits these trained dogs can provide.

In training, these dogs learn basic obedience, socialization, and house manners so that they can eventually be placed to assist their new family. Service dogs can learn to support individuals with autism, mobility issues, seizure disorders, diabetes, hearing issues, and many other health concerns.

The 4 Paws school program has a twofold benefit, as well! Our students help socialize the dogs as part of their training, while students get the benefit of hands-on interaction with the animals, which can be calming for students as they learn more about empathy and concern for others.  

Programs like these can help reinforce the learning students do as part of our Character Strong curriculum that supports social-emotional learning for our K-5 students all year long. 

4 Paws Trainer with her assistant and 6-month-old poodle Tamera.  Students learn about the 4 Paws for Ability program.

📷 Mrs. Strickland