Sheridan students love their hardworking canine companion
Submitted
Happy birthday, Perry!
Today, Sheridan Elementary School’s (SES) service dog Perry Winkle Doyle turns 8 years old. This will be his sixth school year at SES. The Golden Retriever/Labrador cross is a working dog – his job is to help students in speech therapy, as well as spread comfort to all students.
In speech class where he works with his owner Cathy Doyle, Perry motivates students to correctly articulate their target sounds or use completed sentences while interacting with Perry. If the student wants him to “get,” which is the command for Perry to pick up something off the ground, and they do not correctly articulate the /g/ and they say “det,” Perry will not be able to do the command. They work very hard to get that correct /g/ sound.
Perry greets students when they enter the building every day. Students feel unconditional love from Perry, and it is a great way to start their day. Students come and read to him; he is a great listener, and he never judges anyone who reads slowly or incorrectly pronounces a word.
Perry is even able to play Jenga with the students, but it isn’t all fun and games. Perry is a highly-trained service dog from Canine Companions. Cathy graduated from team training with Perry on Sept. 29, 2017. Canine Companions is a leader in the service dog industry, promoting greater independence for owners with their dogs. The organization provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since its founding in 1975, the dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to clients.
Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools
Perry was raised by a family in Chicago. When he was about 2 years old, he went to Canine Companions in Ohio to begin his advanced training. While there, he learned some basic tasks like how to pick up objects and open and close drawers and cabinets. Perry knew over 40 commands when Cathy met him at team training. Once Perry was trained, Cathy had to attend a two-week team training in Ohio to learn how to work with him, which included quizzes and homework assignments.
Canine Companions wants to make sure that the new team will have all the skills needed to be successful. Cathy and Perry have to get recertified as a team every two years and are required to send a vet report annually. Canine Companions wants to make sure the dogs are heathy, up to date on all vaccines, and that they remain at their ideal weight. It costs about $50,000 to $60,000 to raise and train a service dog, so Canine Companions wants to make sure the dogs are taken care of by the recipients.
The list of Perry’s benefits to students at SES is long.
He is very helpful with students with autism during emergency drills by decreasing the children’s fears and anxiety. SES Principal Valerie Roberts said, “Many times when a student is upset or having a tough day, Perry can accomplish things we can’t! Something about the comfort and unconditional love of a dog just puts the students right at ease and helps transition them back to the classroom! Perry has been a huge asset to the mental health of our entire building!”
Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools
Reflecting on her years with Perry, Cathy recalled one story that particularly melted her heart. A student who struggled with reading was coming down to read with Perry for 10 minutes twice a week. After a few weeks, the student announced to Cathy that he was the best reader in the school. He may not have been the best reader in the school, but Cathy knows that increasing confidence in reading is a crucial step to being more successful in reading.
Perry has helped many children who are struggling to leave their mom or dad in the mornings. The student will take Perry’s leash and have Perry walk them to class, providing a great distraction and comfort for separation anxiety. He also participates in the annual talent show, game nights, and the school carnival. Perry dressed up as a lion and jumped through a ring of fire, which was a huge hit at the carnival.
During his time off, Perry has visited residents at nursing homes, Janus Developmental Services, and people in local hospitals. A visit with Perry can bring joy and happiness to people everywhere.
“Having Perry at school with me has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Cathy said. “I love how the children and the staff interact with him. He has changed our school in so many more ways than I ever thought possible.”