Four-Legged Friend Making an
Impact on Speech Therapy Students
at Laveen's Desert Meadows Elementary School

Friendly, Furry Staff Member

LAVEEN- Sept. 22, 2008 - The most popular "staff member" at Laveen's Desert Meadows Elementary School has much in common with the rest of her colleagues. She's clearly very dedicated, has a terrific attitude and cares deeply about the success of her students - particularly the special needs students participating in speech therapy.

And just like the rest of her colleagues, she dutifully shows up to work each day wearing her staff badge with her name and photo - not that she really needs one! Everyone on campus would know her face anywhere.

But that's where the similarities end. When the students clamor about to say "good morning" to this staff member each day, they often bend down - not look up. Also, unlike other colleagues, this staff member is almost the same age as her students - at least in dog years.

Finally, this Desert Meadows Elementary School employee can respond with a big, wet kiss without it being inappropriate! Meet Annie, the therapy dog that's impacting lives on the Desert Meadows campus.

Annie is especially impacting the special needs children that her "Mom", Tracy Robinson, works with each day as a speech-language pathologist for the Laveen Elementary School District. Annie was certified as a therapy dog by the Delta Society, Human Animal Health Connection in 2007. Robinson also received special training at the time in order for Annie to be certified.

Annie received a "Complex" rating, allowing her to visit children's hospitals or elder care facilities. It's when she's at school with the kids, however, that her tail starts wagging and her ears perk up! Robinson says Annie fills many different roles inside the classroom.

"Sometimes just her being in the speech therapy room gives the students a sense of contentment," Robinson explained. "Annie is a good listener and loves for the students to read to her. This really helps the students who are struggling with their reading skills.

"There is a young man who has been diagnosed with Autism who uses an augmentative communication device to communicate his needs and wants. He will typically use only one-to-two word phrases with his device, but he will use five-to-six word sentences with he is interacting with Annie."

Even on Annie's days off, her impact can be felt in the classroom, Robinson said.

"A first-grade student, who calls Annie her best friend, was disappointed one day when Annie wasn't at school," Robinson explained. "Before she left my room she asked, 'Would you please tell Annie that I said all my sounds right today?'"

Annie's influence is felt on more than just the students.

"I call her my therapy dog," said Crystal Daviet, a school library associate. "She comes up to me and I pet her and give her kisses and hugs, and that makes me feel better. It is great to see her on campus. The children's faces just light up and so does mine."

In human terms, you might say Annie is "paying forward" the blessings she has received. When she was only eight weeks old, Annie was found under an Indiana fishing trailer. She was then taken to a dog pound, where she was eventually rescued by Robinson.

From those humble beginnings, Annie has found her purpose in life - providing a bright spot and 'therapy' to both the students and teachers at Desert Meadows School!