Moravia Central School District has welcomed a new staff member but this one’s a little different.
Sadie is a black lab who has completed her therapy certification to become the district’s new certified therapy dog. After months of training with her owner and MHS teacher, KristiAnn Frank, the seven-month-old lab was able to earn her certification. In a press release, Frank called it an amazing experience.
“It was amazing to work towards this certification with Sadie as it challenged both of us to focus heavily on the skills required. It was great to see how well Sadie would work with the students as she was continuing to learn and grow,” said Frank. “I am extremely proud of Sadie to be certified through this process at such a young age of only 7 months old!”
Superintendent John Birmingham expects Sadie will be a hit with students.
“What began as an idea to both support our animal science programming in the FFA curriculum and take advantage of the therapeutic opportunities district-wide, I am beyond grateful for the efforts that KristiAnn and Sadie have put forth to bring this all to fruition,” Birmingham said. “I know that Sadie will be a ‘big hit’ with our students and can’t wait to see the smiles on our students’ faces as they interact with her in the days ahead!”
Sadie will now be able to provide support, comfort, and companionship to both students and staff.
