Thursday, March 28, 2024

Therapy dog lifts spirits at Gatesville ISD

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When life’s pressures mount and cause stress and frustration, the unconditional love of a canine may make a big positive impact on people’s sense of wellbeing.

For the Gatesville Independent School District, that is frequently seen firsthand when Bishop, a therapy dog whose home campus is Gatesville Junior High, brings joy and emotional healing to students and staff.

Joyce Cole, a social worker with the district and Bishop's partner, gave an update about Bishop's influence during the Jan. 17 meeting of the GISD school board.

"He is loving his job," Cole said, adding that Bishop is often disappointed on holidays when he doesn't get to come to school and see people. He is making kids happy every time he walks into the building. The teachers love him. He has two or three different beds in the junior high and treats in different rooms. He does not disrupt the classrooms and is so well-mannered.

"The joy in students' eyes after they see Bishop is worth his weight in kibble."

Cole said Bishop has a noticeable positive impact on the mental health of students and staff.

"He not only brightens every day but provides a much-needed nonjudgmental sense of wellbeing and love," Cole said.

One teacher wrote that she sees students who seldom react to anything get excited about petting Bishop or giving him a treat.

Another teacher said Bishop loves every type of student and does not discriminate, showing unconditional love.

A third teacher noted Bishop "has helped several of my students when they were having a rough day."

Cole said she has seen instances when students were upset and Bishop "makes sure he loves on them. I've seen him literally lick the tears off kids' faces. He brings a lot of joy to our students and staff."

Gatesville Junior High Principal Suzy Penrod said Bishop is always welcome.

"The junior high would love to adopt him as our own," she said. "He is not a disruption. He's been a blessing to the students and teachers. I've seen teachers who were having rough days spend a little time with Bishop, and then they're ready to go."