Servo is Here to Serve

Therapy dogs in schools aren’t a new concept, but it is new to JCSD. This year, JCSD added therapy dog, Servo, to its staff.

Mrs. Hamil took a ceramics class once where there was a therapy dog. She felt it was a “cool experience to have something that interacted with us that wasn’t a human.” This is where the idea blossomed. The Hamil family recently bought a golden doodle puppy. His name is Servo Blue Cheese Hamil. His great demeanor lead Mrs. Hamil to believe he would make a great therapy dog. After intensive training at a Board Learn Train program in Decorah, he is now a CGC certified therapy dog that now spends his days at JCSD.

A typical day starts with a walk through the halls where Servo greets students and staff. He then returns to the art room and hangs out there the rest of the day. At the dismissal, he walks the halls again to greet students and staff.

According to owner Natalie Hamil, “Students and staff seem to LOVE having Servo at school. If he is not at school, students are bummed. Some students and staff come to the art room to come see him during their break times. There are even have a few students who are getting to spend more time with him through rewards and sensory breaks. Servo has been a really awesome addition to the room. Students seem to be more calm and quiet. Servo is still a puppy as well- so he really likes to play still! A couple students are earning “vest free” times with him where Servo gets to run and play a little more free outside! “

Recent studies suggest that school therapy dogs can reduce stress and boost academic engagement. Mrs. Hamil states, “Dogs don’t have words, just unconditional judgment free love. It’s pretty great to experience, especially in an art room.”