PAWS AND ENJOY
Assistance dog eases back-to-school anxiety in Arlington
A special furry friend in Caroline Thom’s third grade classroom at John A. Bishop Elementary School in Arlington is easing back-toschool pandemic worries among students who spent much of the last year and a half learning remotely.
Black lab Elena fits right into the class of about 20 third graders, wandering between desks to visit with students or laying in her dog bed while a lesson is taught.
A trained assistance dog from NEADS, a nonprofit service dog organization based in Princeton, Elena is unfazed by wiggling kids, loud sounds or other classroom commotion.
“The best thing about having Elena in the classroom is in case you’re sad she comes to you and sits next to you so you can pet her and then she makes you feel more happy than you usually are,” said 8-year-old Elise Boneschansker.
Ainslie Collins, 9, said, “I was remote last year so it was a really big change and it was a big change to have a dog, too.”
Collins said at first, she didn’t want to return to school, but quickly changed her tune. “Now I love it … I can’t stop talking about Elena.”
This year is Thom’s second with her beloved Elena and her 29th year at the school. She was matched with Elena after an extensive year and a half interview and training process handled by NEADS.
Thom said the impact of Elena on the school community is tangible. “She brings out this joy, not only in students but in teachers.”
Elena’s mood-boosting presence has been more important than ever as students and teachers returned to the classroom after a tumultuous pandemic journey.
“I think it gives them a moment to forget about what’s happening in the world. They get to just focus on Elena and Elena is the same no matter what, no matter what is happening. She’s always a very chill dog,” Thom said.
Thom’s students said the same thing. Dante Cusanno, 9, said, “Elena makes us calm and happy all the time.”
NEADS has trained 28 assistance dogs serving schools throughout Massachusetts. The dogs are bred by the organization and are specially chosen because of their calm demeanor and ability to work in a highstress environment.
The dogs are trained and socialized extensively before being placed with their handler, a special match made with the help of NEADS Manager of Client Services Katy Ostroff.
Ostroff said Elena was friendly, loved children and suited Thom’s personality, making her a great match.
“We knew Caroline would give Elena just the kind of encouragement that every dog needs,” Ostroff told the Herald.
Ostroff said having assistance dogs like Elena is more important than ever with pandemic stress piling up.
“What’s better to diffuse the anxiety than a lovable dog?” Ostroff said.
Thom plans to continue bringing Elena to school and hopes to have her interact with other classrooms in the near future.