By: Libby French, High School Counselor
At Western Reserve, we believe that lasting change doesn’t always come from grand gestures. More often and to borrow the words of Mr. Snyder, “It begins with small, deliberate actions— bringing positive energy, making deep connections, taking smart risks, and stepping out of our comfort zones.” These simple choices help build a stronger, more compassionate school community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Our certified therapy dog, Birdie, has been a perfect example of how one small addition has made a meaningful impact on our entire school for the last 6 years as she has made her way into the hearts of all of our students and staff. Even though every great therapy dog has a retirement age and Birdie has reached hers, our “dog days” aren’t over! The next WR therapy dog in training, Pearl, joined Birdie’s family on June 6th and has spent her summer learning obedience, meeting new friends, exploring the farm, traveling to new places, and hanging out with Mrs. French in the MSHS office. Although she is just beginning her journey toward becoming a therapy dog, students and staff will see her from time to time and will recognize her because she looks very similar to Birdie!
From Puppy to School Partner
Developing a successful school therapy dog is a process and takes some time. While Pearl won’t be at school every day, she will be intentionally socialized in a variety of environments and exposed to people of all ages, sounds, sights, and experiences to build confidence and adaptability. As she matures, she will learn essential obedience skills, calm behavior, and the ability to remain focused despite distractions. Once Pearl has demonstrated a reliable temperament and completed advanced training, she will undergo evaluation and certification to fully become the next therapy dog at WR. Throughout the process, Pearl’s well-being remains the top priority, with scheduled breaks, ongoing training, and close supervision. By taking a thoughtful, step-bystep approach, Pearl will develop into a trusted member of the school community just like Birdie has been, providing comfort, encouragement, and meaningful connections for students and staff alike.
Training for a Lasting Impact
The presence of a therapy dog reminds us that meaningful change often begins with simple moments: a comforting paw, a quiet visit, a smile in the hallway, or the courage to start a conversation. Birdie walks alongside members of the Class of 2026 as they “clap out” of the building one last time. Pearl is our new therapy dog in training. She is a fourmonth old Springer Spaniel and is looking forward to meeting you! These small, deliberate actions reflect the values we strive to cultivate at Western Reserve Local Schools. By bringing positive energy, making deep connections, taking smart risks, and stepping out of our comfort zones, we create a school where every Roughrider knows they belong.
A therapy dog is more than a comforting companion—it is a daily reminder that kindness, connection, and courage can transform lives, one interaction at a time and we look forward to Pearl’s progress and growth!