Environmental Changes

Hawkeye has changed our environment by making the classroom more social. For example, by letting us go outside and play with him after our work is finished, makes us want to get it done sooner. It also makes our class happier and it creates more excitement. By creating a blog about him, and letting us work with him, it teaches us responsibility and we realize how working together can greatly increase our learning capabilities.                                                                                                                                        

Taylor & Josias
5/26/11

Changes Are Happening

Hawkeye has changed our class just by being here. Ever since Hawkeye has been here, everyone started to become happier. For example, usually everyday it rains in Washington and I feel very tired, but every time I go in Mrs.Vidmores class, he always cheers me up! In addition, when Hawkeye wasn't here it was kind of boring. There wasn't really anything to do except read and write, but when Hawkeye came, Mrs.Vidmore gave us chores to do to help Hawkeye. One of the chores that I did was feed him. It was so fun because I have to train him to sit in order to get his food. Hawkeye is such an amazing dog that I can't hardly imagine being without him!

Submitted by Jewel

What's the Difference?

Many of you may be wondering, "What's the difference between a therapy dog and a service/ guide dog?" A therapy dog is used primarily for helping people to relax. They visit nursing homes, prisons, schools and hospitals. They are trained to interact  with many people and receive advanced certifications.

Service/Guide dogs are specifically trained  for assisting one person. They assist people in wheelchairs and people who are hearing and visually impaired. Service/guide dog are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that the dog is allowed to go in any public place that the owner goes. Therapy dogs do not have the same rights as service dogs.

Hawkeye is a therapy dog in training. His job will be to assist students within special programs.

Submitted by Jorge, Josh and Ben

Preview

Hawkeye's First Week at School

Hawkeye after a long, hard day!

What a trooper! Hawkeye was introduced to the students first thing Monday morning. Not once did he show any signs of nervousness. Actually, he enjoyed the abundance of attention he received. One of the first skills the students and I taught Hawkeye was to associate the ringing of a bell to going outside. By Friday he had it down! Next week we will teach him how to ring the bell himself when he wants to go outside. It was a very successful week with morale in the classroom increasing daily.