Atlas

About Atlas

Atlas is my working therapy dog and educational partner. This gentle Samoyed has been trained to support students' social-emotional learning and create a welcoming school environment. Her completely white coat, infectious smile, and beautiful white eyelashes bring joy wherever she goes.

As a working therapy dog, Atlas is trained to work with many different people in public settings. This differs from service dogs (trained to help one specific person with a disability) or emotional support animals (which provide comfort to their owners but aren't trained for public work).

How Atlas Supports School Communities:

• Creating Moments of Calm: I've seen Atlas sit quietly with upset students. She lets them pet her in silence until they're ready to return to class. Her presence provides comfort without demands.

• Bringing Joy to Morning Arrivals: Atlas would join me at the door each morning. Her famous Samoyed smile never fails to generate smiles in return.

• Encouraging Physical Activity: Atlas loves to run with kids. She enjoys being taken for walks by students and staff who've been trained in handling her.

• Building Confidence Through Commands: Students light up when Atlas responds to their "sit," "stay," "paw," and "high five" commands. These simple interactions create moments of connection.

• Bridging Relationships: Atlas grew up at summer camp and has worked at the Sharon Academy. She connects easily with students across age groups, with particular success with middle schoolers.

The Research Says:

Studies show that therapy dogs in schools benefit both students and staff. Research demonstrates they can reduce stress hormone levels, improve attendance rates, enhance reading confidence, and create a more positive school climate.

At School:

Atlas would generally remain leashed as the community becomes comfortable with her presence. We'd be thoughtful about students with allergies (though Samoyeds are generally hypoallergenic) or fear of dogs. All interactions would be voluntary with proper permissions in place.

I was inspired to train a therapy dog after seeing the impact of a camp therapist's dog back in 2009. That experience led me to specifically seek out a Samoyed with the right temperament to become an educational partner. Atlas has been providing support since she was five months old. She's ready to bring that experience to any school!