Bridgeport schools’ newest member of the staff has four legs, a wet nose, and over a thousand friends already. Connor, Bridgeport Police Prevention Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick’s Golden Retriever is now the official therapy dog for Johnson Elementary, Simpson Elementary, Bridgeport Middle, and Bridgeport High School.

 

Officer Hamrick introduced the new therapy dog program on Tuesday, with the intention of using Connor to help the students and staff in any way needed.  Therapy dogs are gaining traction across the nation as a way to help students in a crisis, reward positive behavior, and improve social development.  Reading programs, where students read to a judgment-free dog - instead of other people - have also proven to be successful.

 

Connor has been Hamrick’s family pet for three years and, as she observed his calm demeanor with kids and other animals, she thought he would be a good candidate for pet therapy. Whether he was at the park, sporting events or on a walk, he didn’t spook easily and demonstrated patience and compassion with whoever petted him.

 

The process of transitioning from family pet to therapy dog took about one month and included a background check, shot records, assessments and observations.  Taylor County’s Karen Anderson worked with Hamrick and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to ensure Connor was a perfect fit for the program.

 

“As part of the program, we took Connor to nursing homes and schools to observe his interaction under various circumstances,” said Hamrick. 

 

Once Connor was certified as a therapy dog, Hamrick worked with school administration and city officials to introduce the program to Bridgeport schools. In an effort not to be a distraction, Hamrick will be introducing him slowly, taking him to the schools two days a week at first. 

 

“Right now I am going to bring him on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I may add Friday if all goes well,” she said.

 

Communication about the therapy dog program will be sent home to parents and issues such as allergies will be addressed as needed. Connor was introduced Tuesday to students at all Bridgeport schools, where he was truly loved by all.

 

“I expected the little kids to love him, but the high school kids were so happy he was there too,” she said. “We plan to greet students as they arrive, walk the halls, and even go outside at recess once the weather is good.”

 

Hamrick hopes to initiate the reading and rewards programs soon and will schedule regular sessions with teachers who are interested in participating. Connor and Hamrick will also work with the Life League Suicide Prevention Program and counseling programs to help ease anxiety for students who are undergoing a crisis.

 

“This is just another tool to help kids be successful,” Hamrick said.  “So far, he has been really well received and it’s been wonderful to see how happy everyone is to meet him.”