Onyx, therapy-dog-in-training, is a quick learner
Katie Wahl, grade seven at St. Michael the Archangel School in Streator, gives Onyx one of his numerous daily hugs. Onyx is undergoing training under the supervision of her handler, Principal Emily Blumenshine, to learn how to provide emotional support to students and staff. Provided photo
STREATOR — If the story of Bailey (Dec. 10 issue), was about a veteran therapy dog, the chronicle of Onyx, at St. Michael the Archangel School in Streator, is about a relative rookie.
Onyx, a one-year-old English Doodle, came to St. Michael on the first day of school in August, courtesy of Streator United Way, who funded a therapy dog for every school building within the community.
In answer to the question, “What does she bring to the school?” Principal Emily Blumenshine, Onyx’s handler, responded that “probably her primary and most favorite role at this time is she greets all the students as they come in from 7:40 to 8:00 in the morning.” Blumenshine said that many students choose to enter the school through door number six. “That’s her spot.”
But even in the deceptively straightforward role of greeter, the heightened sensitivity of a therapy dog comes into focus. “There are a couple of students she walks into the school in the morning, you know, if they need extra support coming in.”
“Just sitting” therapy
As well, she added, “We have students who work with our behavior interventionist and they particularly enjoy having Onyx around. She’ll stop into that office and . . . just sit with them.”
Onyx is quite skilled at “just sitting” with people . . . . For one student with attention-deficit issues, “Onyx will . . . sit on his feet usually.”
She pointed out that part of the reason certain breeds are selected as therapy dogs is their innate desire to be close to people. “They have this in their nature,” she explained, whether that means sitting on someone’s feet, or “trying to get into their lap . . . she thinks she’s a lap dog.”
Cassiel Flores, a grade 3 student at St. Michael the Archangel School in Streator, relaxes beside one-year-old Onyx, who came on “staff” the first day of school in August. The Streator United Way has funded a therapy dog for every school building within the community.
Onyx also helps students to improve their reading fluency in a totally non-judgmental atmosphere. Blumenshine is accountable for Onyx’s whereabouts during the therapy dog certification process — which takes 18 months. With just Onyx, Blumenshine and the child present in the principal’s office, the child “reads” to Onyx. Blumenshine, pretending not to notice, jots down notes on to pass on to the child’s teacher.
Commitment of a pet
Blumenshine’s husband Alex was on board. “He has been asking for a dog for a long time.” His only preference would have been that with four females (Emily and their three daughters), he was hoping for a male dog.
Alas, that was not to be.
“He’s still outnumbered.”
Furthermore, the Blumenshines had never had a pet. As well, taking on the role of Onyx’s trainer and handler meant that Blumenshine had to adopt Onyx — and not just for the training period. “She will always live with me,” said Blumenshine. “That’s the commitment of a pet.”
For their part, the children had no reservations.
“They were very excited,” she said. “Onyx goes to school with us every morning. We all just get in the van and go to school.”
