Ohio State’s favorite pups returned for another visit to our school. The certified therapy dogs of OSU’s Buckeye Paws program have been visiting those working in pandemic conditions as a part of the Wexner Medical Center’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience Program. Their first visit in February was a huge success with both children and teachers, so everyone looked forward to their return.
Buckeye Paws is spectacular! Their presence brings excitement to the room but their calm demeanor brings a sense of peace and a second to slow down and just enjoy the moment. The children, along with us teachers, look forward to their visits and can’t wait to see who walks in the door.
– Preschool team lead teacher Vanessa Shrontz
During the past year, our preschoolers learned about writing letters and practiced “mailing” letters to friends within the school. After Buckeye Paws’ first visit, they began sending mail to the dogs as well. They showered the pups in letters and hand-drawn pictures. Then in February, Buckeye Paws sent a very special Valentine to the school: a card with pictures of dogs that the kids had not yet met. The teachers printed out the biographies of the other dogs to learn more about them. After reading the biographies, the children decided they also wanted to create biographies in order to share more about themselves. They brainstormed what they wanted the dogs to know before writing their final biographies. These were then sent to the Buckeye Paws’ program, continuing the steady flow of fan mail to the furry new friends.
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See all of the biographies and letters from one of our classrooms here. |
Then in April, to everyone’s delight, the Buckeye Paws dogs returned for a second visit. When asked, the children shared their thoughts on the visit.
| He whacked my body with his tail! |
McDuff [the dog] was happy to see us! |
I liked that he licked me so much! |
| McDuff was sitting down, and I petted him alllllll over! |
I loved petting the dogs! |
I really liked it when I was petting the dogs. He was really soft! |
| He lick me close to my face. |
I wore my most favorite dress for them so they would like me as much as I like them! |
I really, really, really, really hope they visit again! |
Watch the encounters with the Buckeye Paws dogs during their second visit to the school.
It’s safe to say this new relationship with the Buckeye Paws program continues to be a big hit, and the children (and staff) look forward to future visits and to meeting all of the dogs!
