Facility Dog Daryl Enhances Student Experience at Local Elementary School

Facility Dog Daryl Provides Comfort and Support to Children at Local Elementary School

At Midtown Elementary School, the arrival of Daryl, a 60-pound Labradoodle, has brought about a new wave of comfort and support to hundreds of students. Daryl assumes several roles without uttering a word. He is a calming presence, a reward for positive behavior, and a source of empathy during challenging times.

Quick Introduction and Positive Impact

In his role as a facility dog, Daryl quickly integrated himself into the school community. He was introduced to kindergartners, second-graders, and fourth-graders in his first week before meeting students in grades 1, 3 and 5 the following week.

Beyond introductions, his presence has been therapeutic for students, helping to deescalate upset students, encouraging positive behavior and even comforting those dealing with trauma or grief.

Coming from a Rich Heritage

Midtown Elementary received Daryl from Service Dogs of Alabama, the oldest and largest non-profit organization in the state. The organization has successfully placed more than 85 dogs across Alabama to assist veterans, children with disabilities, and others requiring medical and psychological support.

Daryl is primarily black in color but has white markings along with some red in his face – a mark of his Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle heritage. He currently lives with the school’s principal, Savannah Demeester, during nights and weekends, and sometimes stays with the school counselor, Carissa Davis.

Academic Benefits

Daryl’s effectiveness extends beyond emotional support, often promoting academic performance among students by reducing stress and enhancing focus. Midtown principal Savannah Demeester acknowledged that dogs, such as Daryl, can detect adrenaline and cortisol levels from a student, thereby identifying children in need of comfort and companionship.

Student Initiatives and Celebrations with Daryl

Serving as both a learning point and a source of joy, Daryl’s birthday provided an opportunity for student intervention. The children presented him with gifts such as a water bowl, dog bed, Nylabone and dog food, alongside heartfelt messages. In turn, Daryl ‘responded’ with a set of paw prints on the school’s social media page.

Further, the first-grade students collaborated with their music teacher to perform a special song for Daryl on his birthday. The impact of having a facility dog at the school was further evident when English-as-a-Second-Language students celebrated completing their ACCESS requirements with a fun “Dance Party With Daryl.”

The Future at Midtown Elementary

Looking towards the future, there are aspirations to introduce even more facility dogs to schools around the county. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols reveals, “Applications are pending for two more facility dogs for our elementary schools.”

For the present, Daryl continues to make a difference at Midtown Elementary, providing both comfort and motivation for the students. As the season’s change, Daryl’s mission will remain constant, returning each day to offer his comforting presence and support at the upcoming MCS Summer Reading Camp and EL Camp.