1 day Ago By David Macaulay
NEW KENT — There’s a new helper for New Kent students who are having a ruff day: Nala the therapy puppy. Nala, a golden retriever, recently became the fourth dog to join the New Kent Sheriff’s Office’s K-9 unit and its second therapy dog. Now about 9 weeks old, Nala is undergoing training to serve as a therapy dog in the county’s schools under the guidance of Sgt.
Eric Mitchell, the county’s head school resource officer. The sheriff’s office is coordinating and funding Nala’s training with support from local trainer Dog Dude Training, owned by Andy and Cara Marshall. Nala is not the first therapy dog to be recruited for New Kent County’s schools, but the program has proved so successful it is being widened.
“We continually seek innovative ways to support our students, and therapy dogs have proven to be an exceptional resource for building connections, reducing stress, and creating a welcoming school atmosphere,” Schools Superintendent Brian Nichols said in a news release. “We are eager to see how Nala, alongside our existing therapy dogs, will continue to make a meaningful impact in our schools.” “Our collaboration with the New Kent Sheriff’s Office is a testament to the strength of our community,” Nichols said.
After training, Nala will join her cousin Winnie, a certified therapy dog handled by the Marshalls at Quinton Elementary School. Cara Marshall wrote on Facebook that she “can’t wait to see Nala spread some love to anyone who needs it and provide comfort to any kids, or our local officers who just need a puppy break from any stress of life.” The canine cousins will comfort students experiencing trauma, celebrate reading milestones and build relationships with students with special needs.
“Everything we do is geared towards doing what is best for kids,” Quinton Elementary Principal Chris Pilger said. “Starting at the root of problems like trauma and finding ways such as the use of therapy dogs to build confidence and comfort at school can open up opportunities to improve relationships and then academics, attendance, and behaviors.” George W.
Watkins Elementary School uses two therapy dogs, Cody and Marti. The dogs have proved beneficial for students with sensory challenges or anxiety, helping them improve their focus and self-regulation, according to Principal Tammy Krejcarek. “Cody has been instrumental in supporting our students, especially those with autism, by helping them navigate sensory challenges,” Krejcarek said.
“We’ve observed students who were initially hesitant gradually become more comfortable interacting with him, which represents a significant step in building their confidence and social skills.” Administrators at New Kent High School are so impressed with the therapy dog program that they are considering using them to target attendance. Diamond, handled by NKHS school counselor Liz Beatley, engages high school students through the Positive Paths Club, which promotes wellness, self-care and self-esteem.
“Diamond’s weekly presence has brought a new source of positivity to our school. Many students and staff have expressed how she brightens their day and contributes to a more supportive environment,” NKHS Principal Allison Strickland said. The New Kent elementary and middle schools host occasional therapy dog visits and are considering weekly visits from therapy dogs along the lines of the other schools, according to New Kent County Public Schools.
Once she’s all trained, that could be Nala. David Macaulay, [email protected] Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Authorities identify man police fatally shot in James City County parking lot Authorities identify man police fatally shot in James City County parking lot Woman found dead in Newport News identified as 41-year-old homeowner Woman found dead in Newport News identified as 41-year-old homeowner Police officer fatally shoots man in James City County parking lot Police officer fatally shoots man in James City County parking lot The latest business openings and closings in Hampton Roads The latest business openings and closings in Hampton Roads Ryan Odom’s 6-year UVA contract nearly doubles his VCU pay Ryan Odom’s 6-year UVA contract nearly doubles his VCU pay York baseball player should not have been ejected for excessive pine tar on bat York baseball player should not have been ejected for excessive pine tar on bat Business owner gets 15 years for sexually assaulting former employee Business owner gets 15 years for sexually assaulting former employee Smithfield pub is first in Virginia to attain prestigious British certification for cask ale Smithfield pub is first in Virginia to attain prestigious British certification for cask ale Boy, 2, seriously wounded in accidental shooting in Newport News, police say Boy, 2, seriously wounded in accidental shooting in Newport News, police say Former York County valedictorian fighting deportation in lawsuit against Trump administration Former York County valedictorian fighting deportation in lawsuit against Trump administration.
