Therapy Dog Program
Dogs are miracles with paws, according to counselors, teachers, social workers and administrators at Lincoln Public Schools who bring four-legged critters into their schools and classroom.
The dog program at LPS was launched in the 1990’s by Dick Spearman, former principal at Mickle Middle School, who convinced teacher Jean Keister to bring Riley the Dog to school. Today there are now many pet therapy teams at LPS.
How to sign up
Get more information about our Therapy Dog program by contacting Sapphire Munford at smunfor@lps.org or 402-436-1605.
How to become an approved pet therapy team
- Pre-approval from building principal and your supervisor.
- Successful completion of a pet therapy certification program.
- Submit all required documentation to the District Office.
- Obtain a certificate of liability insurance for you and your dog.
- Maintain current pet therapy certification, AKC Canine Good Citizenship, vaccinations, liability insurance and established pet therapy guidelines.
Benefits of the program
- Increases positive hallway behavior.
- Increases concentration and work completion.
- Improves school attendance.
- Gives student an incentive to meet academic and behavioral goals.
- Reduces anxiety.
- Provides students with a nonjudgmental partner.
- Increases motivation for physical activity/occupational therapy.
- Elevates mood of staff and students.
- Provides emotional support during times of stress.
- Creates a warm school environment.
