Jayme Smith, Intervention Specialist at LHS is the handler for Odin, the one-year-old German Shepherd received specialized training graduating to become a certified school facility therapy dog. The therapy dog and his handler celebrated day one on the job Monday, January 12th. According to the announcement from BMMF, Odin demonstrates a table, friendly easy-going personality which help make him a great choice for LHS. He’ll use his training to provide affection, support and comfort.
In the announcement of Odin’s arrival at LHS, his qualifications were listed as follows:
- passed the Alliance of Therapy Dogs evaluation, including skill specific training,
- completed an obedience program through Pack leader.
Odin’s daily routine at Loveland High School will include time with Ms. Smith or other specialists trained in his handling. He’ll be easily recognizable as a therapy dog, kept calmly composed, clean and on a leash and present where needed. All students will have the choice to “opt-out” of contact with him if they wish. The opt-out option can be utilized if there are concerns about allergens or other clear reasons for concern. Hand-washing is always encouraged after students have contact with Odin.
The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund (BMMF) is an all-volunteer non-profit group dedicated to the mental health of young people in the community and works to make sure none of them struggle alone or without care or kindness. Their goals include fostering resilience and forward-thinking to remind those in crisis that there is more to their story and that there is help for them to get there. Working with training groups and Loveland Schools to bring in a therapy dog like Odin is just one of the ways they strive to achieve the goal of helping ensure the mental health of our young people – especially those most vulnerable…