Meeting Delilah June, Longmeadow Elementary's Golden Therapy Dog
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Long Meadow Elementary School and meeting the very famous Delilah June, their beloved therapy dog. Known for her calming presence and affectionate nature, Delilah has earned the reputation for making life golden at Longmeadow. This was such a treat for me, as a Long Meadow Alumni myself, it was so special seeing the school, all the changes and meeting Delilah. I know I would have absolutely loved a therapy dog when I went there.
Delilah is the sweet Golden Retriever of Longmeadow's secretary, Miss Andrea. This dynamic duo has made a huge impact on the school. The entire school community has invested time and effort into teaching the kids how to interact appropriately with Delilah. While therapy dogs are more tolerant of touch and interaction than many other dogs, it's important for the kids to learn proper dog manners to ensure Delilah's well-being and happiness. It certainly takes a village, and it’s clear that from students to staff everyone is investing in making sure this is a great fit for Delilah and the students!
During my visit, I saw Delilah in action. She has a vital role in the office, spending one-on-one time with both kids and teachers, and she also visits classrooms. It was heartwarming to see how much joy and comfort she brings to everyone at Longmeadow Elementary. Miss Andrea and Delilah took me around the school and let me see the magic happen- from a kindergarten class to a room of 5th graders, it was incredible to see students light up when Delilah came in. I heard shouts of joy, reminders of how to use gentle hands, and more. When Delilah walks into the room you feel an energy shift, and it’s clear that this sweet girl is making a difference in the lives of these kiddos.
Therapy dogs, like Delilah, are quite different from service dogs. While service animals perform specific tasks for one individual, therapy dogs help many people. They need to be calm and comfortable with various sounds, noises, and situations, and they must be great with kids and people. Delilah excels in all these areas, making her perfect for her role. Would your dog be interested in learning to be a therapy dog? Would you have loved a pup like this in your schools?
