Wendy Bush has been Myer’s for 3 years and made a quite an impact on the kids as well as the staff.
Bush has been bringing in therapy dogs, and it has made the school experience much more pleasant for many people. She recently brought a new dog to the district to replace Levi, who ended his career last year.
Levi retired last year due to his age ( 14 years old ) so now Bush is bringing her dog Bailey in to Myers.
Levi had grown into a student favorite in his short time there. Once, Bush said, Levi calmed a kindergarten student who was crying because he forgot his backpack with his homework in it.
Such an impact is not uncommon. Research has shown dogs have an amazing way of providing unconditional love, and their mere presence in these types of situations can help lower the stress hormone and raise the trust hormone, allowing kids to participate fully in school.
That’s one pf the reasons Bush wanted to get therapy dogs involved at B-A.
“I started this because of how effective can dogs can be when used in the school system,” she said.
Bush adopted Bailey from a rescue in July 2023. She was only 6 months old and needed hip surgery, which she also had in July 2023. “Once completely healed from that, we started training,” Bush said.
She passed her STAR puppy test, and her Canine Good Citizenship test in December 2023. In August 2024 she passed her Therapy dog test.
Both students and teachers give Bailey rave reviews.
“I like having the dog here to talk to, and I like when she comes and visits the class and it makes my day,” said fourth grader Collin Bunte.
Principal Matthew Stinson also sees the value of Bailey, noting that it extends to academics.
“It started with Levi now we have Bailey,” said Mr. Stinson. “I love her having her here. She helps with math and reading and working with your hands.”
Second grade student Olivia Campbell said Baily is a benefit to her because she helps to calm her down.
“She makes me happy and makes my day good by helping me out,” she said.
