Courtesy of Camp K-9:
Tuesday, July 22nd, was a truly heartwarming milestone as Camp K-9 trainers Nick Parke & Alicia Hall had a fantastic meeting with all three of the district's incredible therapy doodles: Snickers, Poppy, and the star of the day, Murphy!
It was Murphy's grand public debut, and he absolutely charmed everyone he met – students and school staff alike! We're so excited that Murphy's home base will be at Kellogg Middle School, where he'll join his wonderful handler, school counselor Staci Heiser, in making a real difference. A huge shout-out to Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary for their immense generosity in donating Murphy to our program!
This momentous meeting marks the third therapy dog team Camp K-9 has proudly certified with the Kellogg School District. Snickers and Poppy joined the district, bringing joy to Pinehurst Elementary School in 2024, and now Murphy is all set to begin his first year at the middle school this Fall of 2025. What's even more heartwarming? All three of these amazing dogs are rescue heroes, generously given a second chance to help others by Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary!
And let's not forget the incredible community spirit that made all of this possible! The vital funding for their training and ongoing upkeep was generously donated by Dave Smith Motors, Hecla Lucky Friday Mine, and other wonderful private donors in the community.
Snickers and Poppy have already been invaluable at Pinehurst Elementary, serving as fantastic de-escalation tools in the "Panther Den" to help calm and decompress students. They also boost overall mental health and morale for both students and staff – spreading happiness one wagging tail at a time!
Looking ahead, Murphy will be following in their footsteps as a shining star at the middle school, providing comfort and support in counseling sessions, boosting morale, enhancing mental health, and offering extra support to students and staff whenever it's needed. The future is looking brighter and furrier than ever for KSD!
This program is more than just about dogs; it's about building resilience, fostering empathy, and creating spaces where every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and understood. As Snickers, Poppy, and now Murphy embark on their vital missions, they remind us that sometimes, the most profound healing can come from a soft touch, a comforting presence, and the unconditional love of a furry friend dedicated to brightening lives.
We are so incredibly proud of this initiative and deeply grateful to everyone who has helped make this heartwarming vision a reality for the Kellogg School District!