Therapy Dogs Capture Attention of Readers

Therapy dogs steal limelight, leave readers wanting more

A recent article about the therapy dogs of Desert Sands Unified School District continues to receive attention as readers ask for more information about these very special animals.

In early December, one of our beloved dogs retired. Glee worked with special needs students for over eight years. She was a beloved member of the staff at Desert Ridge Academy, Shadow Ridge High School, and, most recently, at the adult transition program at Eisenhower Community Education Center. Glee first came to DSUSD through Animal Samaritans by a request from Cindy Kingsbury, speech therapist for the District. But more recently, Glee and her human family Steve Weiss and Mary Caldwell have affiliated with Canine Companions, a well-known service dog organization that has developed a therapy dog program for their release dogs.

Glee was recently diagnosed with a neurological health issue, and she bid farewell to the students at Eisenhower at a recent party in her honor. Students in the adult transition program hugged her close and said farewell while treating her to some of her favorite treats.

Glee will be missed, and her human family knows that she will always be welcome.

The students at Summit High School held a fourth birthday celebration for their resident therapy dog, Budders. The queen of the school wore a crown and pink tutu as she allowed her fan base to provide some loving and some presents.

The love shared by DSUSD students, and the therapy dogs is an important part of the work by our team to connect to our students.

More updates on these very special members of our team will be forthcoming.