Meet Mighty. He’s an 8-month-old Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Shih Tzu mix–and one lovable pooch. He was rescued by North Shore Animal League from a high-kill shelter in Tennessee. After a long 850-mile trip, he arrived at the League ready to find his forever home. What he didn’t know was that his forever home was going to change many lives.
Mighty is now a member of the Jackson school district as a part of the Mutt-i-grees program–a program created by The Lab School at Yale. This is designed to train therapy dogs to help children with social and emotional learning. The goal of the program is to create a space where kids can understand themselves, their feelings and learn to be empathetic towards others.
And it works. Arianna N., a student Mighty works with said, “When you pet the therapy dogs, it’s really calming. And when they’re calm, you’re calm.” She also notes Mighty is “a great addition to our school.”
Way to go, M!
Before they knew Mighty was the one, they had to ask the pros. They came to Shelly Leibowitz here at Green Leaf Pet Resort for final approval and his professional opinion. He was then in charge of Mighty learning the proper manners and obedience skills before making his Jackson School debut.
And what a debut he made. “He comes in and everyone just falls in love with him,” said Library teacher Carrie Hogan. “We know he’s going to make a really big difference in the lives of our students and our teachers, “ she continues. He’s even received the title of most beloved staff member at the school. Mighty is currently working with his trainer at Green Leaf to get certified through the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Learn about American Kennel Club
Now his days will be filled with helping children sharpen their social behaviors and students who are struggling find their focus.
We can’t wait to see what else is in store for this appropriately named pup.
