Each dog does their own thing at the school, encountering different people and age groups but their goal is all the same. To bring comfort, support and a sense of belonging. In the past several years the PAWSitive Support Program has become an integral part of the education of the students in the Warren County School District. Each dog resides with their handler and lives the life of a regular dog when they’re at home. But when their vests are on they know it’s time to work.

In July 2022, the Office of Pupil Services implemented the PAWSitive Support program. The PAWSitive Support program was designed to support the social and emotional well-being of staff and students and creates a calm, supportive, and fun atmosphere for the school community. Operating with district resources, donations, and fundraising funds, donations and fundraising support play vital roles in funding the PAWSitive Support program, enabling opportunities to district students that might not otherwise be possible.

Statistics provided in the 2025 Annual Report show that from August 27, 2024 through January 16, 2025 (89 school days) the PAWSitive Support program provided the following supports to the students in the district: 482 classroom visits, 784 individual student contacts, 363 student group contacts, 432 individual staff contacts, 215 staff group contacts. Program sponsorship highlights included $6,250 in monetary donations, pro bono veterinary services and donation of grooming services. Training of the dogs is provided by New Hope Assistance Dogs, Inc (newhopedogs.net) and ongoing Tuesday evening trainings are held at Lowe’s. With an annual operating cost of over $10,000 the program is not funded by tax dollars and solely relies on donations received.

Let’s meet the team!

Photos submitted to the Times Observer A Warren County Sheriff’s deputy and Olive pay a visit to WAHS during arrival.

MEET DEEDEE!

At 10 weeks old golden doodle DeeDee began her training with New Hope as a PAWSitive support dog. Now in her 2nd year of work at the Warren Area High School DeeDee’s presence in the school’s lobby every morning as students and staff arrive puts a little pep in their steps as they begin another school day. It’s a nice morning greeting and refreshing for the students. Some just smile and say hi as they walk by. Others rush to her to give her pets and hugs. “DeeDee!” was heard dozens of times as soon as she was spotted. DeeDee loves coming to school and it shows. School Psychologist Rebecca DePrince is DeeDee’s handler and sees first hand the impact the program has had on the students. “She’s not solving big problems,” said DelPrince “but she brings a smile to their faces.” In the halls DeeDee is a true celebrity. DelPrince says “I thoroughly enjoy when students see her from down the hall.” Teachers can request DeeDee to spend class periods with their students. Math teacher Olivia Zawacki enjoys having her in the classroom and allows her students to get out yoga mats and sit on the floor during instructional time. Zawacki credits her students increased attention, focus and improved grades on DeeDee’s presence in class. “She offers support,” said Zawacki,”the students smile and laugh. She’s a good girl.”

INTRODUCING JUPITER!

Born two days before the solar eclipse in April of 2024 Jupiter and his litter mates were all granted celestial names. Now, at 18 months old, he is the youngest of the PAWSitive dogs. Jupiter began his training with New Hope at 3 months old and is still in training to gain confidence and hone his skills as the school’s support dog. His work days are long and tiring but you can see that he loves the students and staff at Beaty-Warren Middle School. Jupiter visits an average of 8 classrooms and spends time with 20-30 individual students, staff and family members during a 7 hour school day. On this day Jupiter’s handler Special Education Supervisor Lacey Schuler reported that in addition to his interview he had been at student arrival to school, supported 3 students in the guidance office and been to 3 classrooms. All before 11:00am. “He needs his vest off and to relax,” said Schuler as Jupiter napped on the floor in the guidance office. Emotional support teacher Gabe Parker says Jupiter gives students the drive to do better in class and complete their work. “Completed work equals Jupiter time,” said Parker. Students earn time taking Jupiter for a walk, filling his water bowl or giving him treats. Kate Domville, Beaty’s school psychologist, credits Jupiter with providing students a “low pressure check in point” during morning arrivals to school. “Jupiter has no expectations” says Domville “he’s intuitive with the students and helps them relax.” In the classroom makes a positive impact on students. Teacher Melissa Page says her students love having Jupiter come in for his visits and provide her students with an exposure to a dog they might not otherwise get. “They all enjoy petting him, giving him snacks and walking him outside.” said Page “He completely changes the atmosphere.”

THEIR GUY GUS!

Eisenhower students were given the chance to have some free time in the school’s courtyard. Left to right: Alexander Taylor, Kalloway Geister, Ackron Hoisington, Evan Wilcox, Glade Rulander and Cameron Briggs.

At 4 years old, golden retriever Gus is the oldest of the PAWSitive Program dogs but you wouldn’t know it! Gus has the youthful exuberance of a pup and loves to make the students and staff happy to be at school. You cannot resist his wide smile and wagging tail. Gus has been at Youngsville Elementary Middle School with his handler, school counselor Laura Bierbower for 2 years. During morning arrival Gus greets the rush of students and staff that, at times, have to stand in line to see him. “Seeing Gus is why I came to school today,” said 8th grade student Lilly, “I had some issues last night and seeing Gus makes it better. He makes us smile.” Throughout the day Gus attends classroom lessons geared at social and emotional learning with Bierbower as well as one on one meetings with students and/ or their parents making everyone feel more at ease. “So many moments over the past 2 years he finds the kids that need him,” said Bierbower of the connections Gus makes with the students, “It brings tears to my eyes.” Gus takes zoomie breaks, vest free, in the school gym where he can run free and relax between tasks. Mrs. Bierbower and Gus visited Mandy Marcu’s 4th grade classroom and every hand was raised when she asked What does Gus do for you? “When you have a lot of emotions he’s always there for you,” said one student. “If you’re upset he will help you calm down” said another. The students love reading to Gus and around the room agreed that Gus is a good listener and is cute and cuddly. “Every school should have a dog,” said Marcu.

HERE’S PEPPER!

Pepper is one of the original PAWSitive dogs. At 3 years old she and her handler Occupational Therapist Cayla Onoratti work between the Warren Area Elementary Center and Sheffield’s school making their days very busy. “She loves her job” says Onoratti “She lives to work.” Pepper can be found attending 4th grade math where her presence offers support to the students and helps them focus on their studies. WAEC teacher Mrs. Curren praises Pepper saying “We love having her in the classroom. She makes everything better. They work hard so they can give her a treat!” Escorting students between classes is one of Peppers key roles for those that may experience a tough time in noisy, busy halls. With her calm demeanor and obvious adoration of the children Pepper spends a great deal of her time in the life skills classroom at the school. The adoration goes both ways. The students and staff in the classroom are thrilled when she enters the room. “Pepper!” they all call out when they see her. She responds to sign language and waits patiently for words formed by those using an iPad-like device known as an AAC for communication. Pepper has also been known to alert when a child is experiencing a blood sugar issue. “She makes me feel happy,” said one 4th grader as a small group gathered around to give Pepper pets and hugs. “She makes my job more fun” Onoratti said “We’d be lost without her.”

IT’S WAGS JOAN!

Kari Rouse, 6th grade teacher at Eisenhower Middle High School is the only PAWSitive handler that is a full time teacher. Two year old Wags is sister to DeeDee. Wags Joan, also known as Wags, Waggles and a number of other names and terms of endearment is treated like a celebrity at school. Though she spends most of her day in Rouse’s classroom, Wags is accessible to all students and staff at Eisenhower. At first Rouse had her concerns regarding bringing a dog into the school fearing it would create more distractions for the students. Pleasantly surprised, quite the opposite occurred. The impact that Wags has had on student’s lives is great. Instinctively she knows what the students need, de-escalating emotional situations and getting students to go to class. “She’s a motivator for students who are having a hard time in class,” said Rouse “and positive reinforcement to get their work done.” The kids love taking care of Wags and giving her water and taking her for walks and free time in the courtyard teaches them responsibility. Wags attends sporting events and school dances further supporting her students even outside of school hours. Sixth grader Alexander Taylor says “If we need anything or are going through anything she’s there.”

Eisenhower students were given the chance to have some free time in the school’s courtyard. Left to right: Alexander Taylor, Kalloway Geister, Ackron Hoisington, Evan Wilcox, Glade Rulander and Cameron Briggs.

WCSD Special Education Supervisor Kim Yourchisin says they’re trying to get a dog in the Sheffield Area School. “They’re a huge benefit to the kids and they love them. He’s calming and he makes us smile.” said Yourchisin.

Saturday, Nov. 1, the program will be hosting PAWS-vember Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Cable Hollow Golf Club for an evening of entertainment, drinks, appetizers and desserts dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the WCSD PAWSitive Support Program. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from the PAWSitive handlers or at the WCSD Office of Pupil Services. More information on the program can be found at wcsdpa.org or by calling 814-723-6900.

Jupiter and her handler Lacey Schuler on their way to a classroom.

Beaty student Henry says “Jupiter makes me happy, relax and focus on my work. She helps me calm down when I’m having a bad day. I like to take her on walks outside and give her treats.”

Pictured is Jupiter

Kim Yourchisin says “I think the adults love him more than the kids.”

YEMS students Lilly, Keira and McKenzie start their school day with a dose of Gus.

Gus is pictured.

Pepper is always up for cuddles and hugs from the students at WAEC.

The love goes both ways.

The love goes both ways.

Pepper and a student in their "hallway hats" to help with transitions to and from the classroom.

Wags Joan is pictured.