Bristol, Tennessee Welcomes a New Furry Friend: Meet Jingle the Therapy Dog!
In the heart of Bristol, Tennessee, something special is about to happen at Viking Academy. The school is set to welcome a new therapy dog named Jingle, a delightful five-month-old golden doodle who has just completed the first phase of her training. Jingle is more than just a cute face; she’s here to bring joy and comfort to students and staff alike!
A Calming Presence for Students
Kelly Vance, the administrator at Viking Academy, has taken on the role of Jingle’s main handler. She explains that Jingle’s primary purpose is to be a source of emotional support. “Our therapy dog is there to provide a calming presence to relieve anxiety,” says Vance. “She will help students who are feeling overwhelmed or dealing with a lot of stress.”
Jingle’s role won’t be limited to just one school. While she will primarily be at Viking Academy, she may also lend her furry expertise at the nearby Tennessee High, ensuring that more students can benefit from her presence.
Ongoing Training and Bonding
Training doesn’t stop after the basics are covered. Vance and Jingle will continue to hone their skills as a team. “It’s an ongoing process,” Vance says. She emphasizes that they will engage in regular training and practice sessions, which is key to building a close bond between her and Jingle. The learning never ends!
Expert Training Insights
Mike Wright, the head trainer at Trained Wright K9, shared his thoughts on what it takes to become a therapy dog. He’s confident that by the time Jingle turns one year old, she will be a full-fledged therapy dog. “A sweet dog can change your day in a big way,” Wright notes. He adds that for some kids who might not have a lot to look forward to, a loving dog like Jingle can make a world of difference. “When your dog shows you unconditional love, it can really change your perspective and improve your day.”
A Vision for the Future
The idea for introducing a therapy dog at Bristol Tennessee City Schools emerged after Kristie Coleman, the Supervisor of Student Services, and her team visited another school district with a therapy dog program. “We saw how impactful therapy dogs can be,” Coleman shares. “After visiting the Franklin Special School District, we were sold on the idea. We immediately thought, ‘We’ve got to get this for our school district!’”
The Impact of Jingle’s Arrival
With Jingle joining the Viking Academy team, Coleman anticipates positive changes throughout the school. “A therapy dog brings such joy,” she explains. “They provide unconditional love and friendship, which are invaluable to our students.” The hope is that with Jingle bringing happiness to the school environment, students will feel more inclined to attend classes, contributing to better attendance and overall mental health.
A Vision for Every School
The long-term goal is quite ambitious but heartwarming; the Bristol school district aims to have a therapy dog in every school. With each new furry friend, more students will be able to experience the positive effects of therapy animals, making schools a happier place for everyone involved.
As the countdown to Jingle’s arrival begins, the excitement among students, teachers, and staff is palpable. The anticipation of this new furry member of the Viking Academy community is already healthy for the spirit and well-being of the school. Here’s to Jingle, the therapy dog, who will undoubtedly leave paw prints on the hearts of many!
