Crispell students had a wonderful visitor Monday morning. Everest, a two-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever, and his human Erin Wilder, stopped by for a couple of hours to bring his amazing personality and calmness to the students.

 

Everest is a therapy dog, part of the Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause organization. The therapy dogs from HVPC visit schools and nursing homes, and assist with military families. Everest has a special connection to Crispell since another of his humans is Principal Stephen Wilder.

 

Therapy animals offer so many benefits to humans. In schools, many younger children read to therapy animals to help lessen their anxiety while reading aloud. Therapy dogs are non-judgmental of course, putting them at ease. Therapy dogs help people de-stress – they make many visits to schools around midterm and final exam time.

 

 

Therapy dogs also help with socialization. It’s amazing how kids open up and talk when a therapy dog is present. They elevate mood, help fight off anxiety and can help regulate emotions.

It’s not just dogs that become therapy animals. According to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs website, cats, horses and birds are common companions that nurture well-being and help reduce anxiety and depression. Dogs, though, are the most preferred animal for the role.

 

That was obvious with Everest. He enjoyed having the students pet him. As they did, they talked about many different things. It’s amazing how kids open up and talk with a therapy dog present!

 

 

Erin Wilder said Everest took a six-week class to become a therapy dog. He had obedience training through 4H, but he always had a great temperament for this job. That, too, was obvious as he soaked up the love from the adults and students at Crispell and gave it right back!