Great Lakes Elementary Adds Puppy Staff Member

SUPERIOR, Wiss. – Great Lakes Elementary School has added a fluffy new staff member making this the first dog to become a part of the Superior School District.

The school brought in a five-month-old purebred Labrador Retriever named Libby as a therapy dog, whose main job is to help students feel calm and supported throughout the school day, making learning less stressful and more enjoyable.

“They adore her, and we’ve seen her already masterfully help some kindergarten kids having anxiety the first day, or even some students having meltdowns,” said Principal Ryan Haroldson, Great Lakes Elementary.

The idea for a therapy dog started years ago. Once the Superior Board of Education approved the policy that allows therapy dogs at school, Counselor Terri Bronson set out to find a dog that would fit perfectly at Great Lakes Elementary.

“We have always talked about doing a therapy dog, another tool to use to the school and to bring in,” said Counselor Bronson.

Principal Haroldson says other schools have been reaching out and looking to get therapy dogs into other schools throughout the district. He believes that every student should have access to the mental health support that is provided by dogs like Libby.

“Northern Lights, elementary right down the street, has just, I believe, solidified their them getting a therapy dog from the same place,” said Principal Haroldson. “I also have a call in from a teacher at Cooper Elementary in Superior, and I plan to talk to them and help them get this piece in place.”

Libby has quickly become a member of the Great Lakes Elementary family from easing first-day jitters to lifting the spirits of the entire school.