– Photos courtesy of Hattie B. Stokes
Hattie B. Stokes Elementary School has announced the retirement of a beloved staff member who provided emotional and educational support for the students for the past 10 years.
Shamrock, the resident therapy dog at Hattie B. Stokes, has been announced as a retiree after the end of this school year. Shamrock was introduced to the children of the school 10 years ago with the intention for him to help the children thrive in the environment, and the staff at Hattie B. Stokes has highlighted his expertise in his field.
“This amazing little guy has brought so much happiness, comfort and support to students and staff every day at school,” the staff wrote. “We thank you Shammy for your amazing work and wish you the best days ahead.”
Shamrock has become a staple of the Hattie B. Stokes Elementary team as he has received a teacher biography detailing his expertise as a resident therapy dog and his aspirations as he began his “teaching” career at the school. The school released his biography upon his induction into the Hattie B. Stokes Elementary School, which includes:
I’m Shamrock, the resident Therapy Dog. Unlike most dogs who have to stay home every day while their owners roam about freely, I have a very cool job and get to come to school every day just like all of the students here at HBS. The Stokes students and staff are some of my favorite people. I can tell they love me because everyone is always so nice to me when they see me in the hall. I get lots of, “Hey, Shamrock!” and pats on the head.
I went to school in Missouri before I moved to Indiana and came to Hattie B. Stokes, but I continue to learn here with you every day. I’m 42 years old, so in human years, I guess that would make me 6! Miss Williams and the students here at HBS help me practice commands and being obedient, so I can be the best therapy dog that I can be. I have all sorts of jobs around the building. I make special deliveries to students in their classrooms and when I’m lucky I get to listen to students read. One of my favorite things to do here at school is exercise. Miss Williams and the students throw my toys and I get to run and chase after them and bring them back, I think I could do that all day long!
When the bell rings at the end of the day I get to go home. I live with Miss Williams and my older brother, Max. Max and I play together all the time. I like to play tricks on him. I bark and bark, pretending that something exciting is happening and when Max comes to check it out … I run and take his spot on the bed! I like to carry my blankie around with me everywhere, sometimes you might even catch me with it here at school. Going on walks and runs with Miss Williams is the best, but sometimes she can be slow. I always try to help her by pulling her along on the leash. I enjoy playing with all sorts of animals like, kids, cats, dogs, oh and squirrels! I love playing tag with the squirrels in my backyard.
I can’t wait to meet all of you this year at Hattie B. Stokes Elementary! Let’s have a PAWSOME year!
Love, Shamrock
Hattie B. Stokes staff have not yet released whether a new therapy dog will be incorporated into the school family in the future to continue Shamrock’s legacy with the students.
