Tuesday, March 19, marked a heartwarming addition to the Lewisburg Elementary “Huskies.” The school community welcomed a nine-month-old Labradoodle, Pixie. She becomes the 22nd therapy dog placed in the “Friends with Paws” program, a partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS).
Lewisburg Elementary School welcomes Friends With Paws therapy dog ‘Pixie’
The Lewisburg Elementary “Huskies” recently embraced the arrival of a new member to their school community, as WVVA reports. Pixie, a delightful nine-month-old Labradoodle, joins as a therapy dog in West Virginia school under First Lady Cathy Justice’s esteemed “Friends with Paws” program. The program came into existence two years ago in collaboration with Communities in Schools (CIS).
First Lady Cathy Justice noted, “If you came into the school today and just saw the smile on every child’s face in here, it’s just great. People are… happy to see it, even the grownups and the children as well.” Continuing, she added, “Everybody likes dogs, and it gives them a calming effect, and [it’s] just really a special time.”
At Lewisburg Elementary, Pixie’s days will include making rounds alongside school personnel. Additionally, she will warmly greet students as they start their day and offer companionship to those in need of a friend.
The Friends With Paws program strategically assigns certified therapy dogs to schools statewide, offering invaluable companionship and solace to students requiring support. Since February 2024, a notable total of 22 therapy dogs, including Pixie, have been thoughtfully placed across various regions of the state, fostering a positive impact on school communities.
Moreover, this initiative is actively striving to deploy at least one therapy dog in every county across the state. First Lady Justice shared during Tuesday’s event that she recently discovered six additional dogs ready for the program. Ideally, these dogs will receive allocations to their respective schools in time for the commencement of the 2024-2025 school year.
Regarding Pixie, she becomes the second therapy dog to reside in Greenbrier County. Last August, Ruby, a Golden Retriever, was stationed at Greenbrier East High School.
