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Parkland therapy dogs are honored in the school yearbook

By The German Shepherd Dog Community
March 21st, 2022

It’s the kind of recognition these dogs deserve.

Man’s best friend – this species has always been at our side that they became almost a permanent companion to most of us. But for these students, they are more than just pets. They are the reason why they can participate in their scholastic community while also spreading good vibes and energy all around.

And to recognize the unwavering efforts of these “goodest” boys and girls, some schools decided to place them in seats of honor – their school’s yearbook.

Here are some of the most adorable yearbook dogs you’ll ever see.

1. Alpha dog

Flipping through their yearbook, students from Stafford High school are in for a very pleasant surprise. On one of the pages, right beside AJ Schalk’s photo is Alpha Schalk, a black Labrador.

The dog awkwardly stared at the camera and was framed as if he was one of the students who graduated that year. He was given the honor of joining the roster for helping AJ throughout high school.

AJ was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Alpha helps detect sudden spikes or drops in his blood sugar. Needless to say, he quickly became a local star. He even have his own ID! Talk about an alpha dog!

2. She even has a title

Just like the rest of Byrant High School’s faculty, Mya Tarvin has been clocking in long days for the sake of the students. This is why Mya, the school’s “K9 school resource officer” ended up on the school’s yearbook.

Wearing her biggest smile, the Belgian Malinois, posed with fellow teachers. She also patrols the school wearing her own ID. The local police department said that Mya is primarily a narcotics dog but was also trained to perform tracking and article recovery.

3. Best friends for life

In Louisville, Kentucky, a little girl can brag about living with the cutest classmate ever. Posing right beside Hadley Jo Lange, Ariel Lange puts up an adorable smile for the yearbook team.

Hadley Jo was diagnosed with epilepsy at 2 years old. The labradoodle’s task is to detect oncoming seizures so that Hadley Jo can get her life-saving anti-seizure medication even before it starts.

When she’s “at work”, she has her vest on. Meaning, kids can’t play with her. But once she gets out of it, Hadley Jo’s friends can play with her. To further support Hadley Jo, the school surprised her by including Ariel in the yearbook.

4. Well-adjusted into the celebrity life

When Rowdy got his first picture, it ended up with a couple of retakes. But now, in his third year posing for the school’s yearbook, he smiles like he was made for the camera.

“It’s the first year I didn’t have to order retakes for him,” Monique Chaffin told TODAY. “It’s like having another kid — you want to make sure his pictures come out nice.”

Rowdy helps Daegan, Monique’s daughter, in detecting blood sugar spikes and dips. And yes, he even has a bow for the photo.

5. In remembrance

Lastly, a school dedicated a whole page to 15 service dogs who helped them heal through the traumas their community had to endure. Last 2018, a gunman opened fire at the school. 17 people lost their lives. The year after, 2 students died by suicide.

As their school year closed, they thought of giving tribute to the dogs who helped them through their most difficult times.

“I think it’s just a real nice honor to them,” Courtney Trzcinski, executive director of Canine Assisted Therapy, told the Sun-Sentinel. “I think it’s a nice tribute to these dedicated volunteers who gave up their lives to help the Parkland community.”

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Source: ABC, CNN, People, Insider, TODAY, Twitter – @t1dfighter_aj, Facebook – Bryant Police Department, Twitter – @npheatherl, Twitter – Aerie Yearbook

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