By Megan Wachter and Cedar Vale Elementary STUCO
The Cedar Vale Elementary Student Council recently welcomed Superintendent Mr. Brown and a very special guest for an afternoon interview - Maizy, his therapy dog. Student Council members came prepared with their own questions and were eager to learn everything they could about Maizy, from her favorite toys and treats to the important job she does helping others.
Karolina started things off by asking how old Maizy is. Students learned that Maizy is 10 years old. Karolina also wanted to know about Maizy's animal friends, and the group learned that she has two Cockapoo friends and also enjoys being around kittens and chickens.
Easton asked what kind of dog Maizy is. Mr. Brown explained that she is a Goldendoodle. Easton later helped the group learn how students should approach Maizy at school - calmly, gently and respectfully.
When Laura asked about Maizy's birthday, students learned that she celebrates it in late February. Laura also gave Maizy a chance to show off some of her skills by asking about the tricks she can perform. Maizy demonstrated that she can sit, lie down and stay.
Of course, no interview with a dog would be complete without talking about food. Colton asked about Maizy's favorite treats, and the answer was pretty simple: dog treats! Colton also discovered one of Maizy's funnier habits. She sometimes begs or stares at people while they are eating, and she has even been known to snore while she sleeps.
Atleigh wanted to know about Maizy's favorite toys. Stuffed animals and rubber bones are among her favorites. Atleigh also asked what makes Maizy wag her tail. Playing, getting attention and being excited are all pretty good ways to get it moving.
More Than Just a Friendly Face
Bryson asked one of the most important questions of the day: "What does a therapy dog do?" Mr. Brown explained that Maizy can often sense when someone is sad or upset. She tries to comfort people by staying near them and giving them attention. Bryson also asked what rules students should follow around Maizy. Students were reminded to be kind, gentle and calm when they are around her.
Riverson was curious about Maizy's training. Mr. Brown explained that she received special training to learn how to behave around people and eventually had to become certified. Riverson also asked an important question that every dog probably wishes someone would ask - where is Maizy's favorite place to nap? The answer brought a laugh: usually somewhere she probably isn't supposed to be!
Colin asked how long it took Maizy to become a therapy dog. Students learned that becoming certified required training, good behavior and passing a test. Maizy learned important behaviors such as not biting, barking unnecessarily or licking people. Colin also asked how therapy dogs comfort people. Mr. Brown explained that Maizy's affection and presence can help people feel cared for and special.
Gus focused on Maizy's role at school. He asked how she helps students and whether she will visit classrooms. Mr. Brown explained that Maizy can often recognize when someone is upset. She likes to walk around, check on people and spend time near someone who may need a little extra comfort. She also enjoys being around students and checking out what is happening in classrooms.
Throughout the visit, Maizy gave Student Council members a chance to see some of those qualities for themselves. She showed off her training with tricks such as sitting, lying down and staying, then relaxed on the classroom floor and seemed perfectly comfortable being the center of attention.
The interview gave Gus, Karolina, Easton, Laura, Colton, Atleigh, Bryson, Riverson and Colin the opportunity to practice asking questions while helping the rest of Cedar Vale learn more about one of the school's four-legged visitors.
Cedar Vale Elementary STUCO would like to thank Mr. Brown for taking the time to visit and share Maizy with the students. We think it is safe to say that Maizy already has quite a few new friends at Cedar Vale!
More Photos from the Visit
