Cupid is quickly winning the hearts of students, staff and teachers at Arkansas City Middle School.
The furry yellow Labrador retriever is on the job, as a specially trained facility dog. Amy Massey, middle school counselor, is the dog’s dedicated handler.
“Cupid does hall duty with me before school each morning,” she said. “Students and staff alike light up when they see her. She made an incredible impact when she stepped foot into our school this week.”
In her short time at the middle school, Cupid has already helped students with testing anxiety, calmed upset students, and brought countless smiles.
Massey, who oversees all aspects of Cupid’s care, emphasized the extensive preparation she and Cupid underwent as a certified “TEAM” to ensure seamless integration into the school environment.
“Cupid, was born into this program and specifically bred for her role here,” Massey said. “Her presence will significantly enhance our school climate and our ability to support our students.”
Facility dogs are distinct from service animals or emotional support animals. They are expertly trained to partner with facilitators in health, counseling, or educational settings, offering support in various capacities such as building rapport, managing behavior, and addressing anxiety.
“Every day we have students come in carrying heavy emotions. Sometimes they are closed off and it can take a long time to get through to them,” Massey said. “I hoped that a trained dog would make them more comfortable and help to break down those walls more quickly and already, she has. Cupid brings lots of love into the school.”
All puppies at KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. train to become Assistance Dogs. They are chosen to be a Guide, Service, or Facility dog depending on several factors, including their behavior, personality, skills, body size, and what the dog enjoys doing. Ultimately, the dog should love its job and will be trained to excel at it, according to information provided by the school. All dogs that complete the program are certified by Assistance Dogs International.
All puppies at KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. start by training to be guide or service dogs. They learn to avoid obstacles, retrieve dropped objects, open doors, and follow various helpful commands. Some of these dogs may not meet the requirements of a service dog and may ultimately become a facility dog. This may be due to several factors including health conditions and size. Cupid, for example, may be considered small for a Labrador retriever. Still, she is accredited by Assistance Dogs International and earned the title of “Canine Good Citizen” from the American Kennel Club.
“Cupid is extremely smart. It’s not that she didn’t make it, she made it exactly where she is supposed to be,” Massey said. “Her role is to get love and give love. Her demeanor and personality make her the perfect dog for the job.”
KSDS is a non-profit corporation that relies on contributions from generous individuals and entities. Massey has been on the list for a facility dog for four years and hasn’t had to pay more than the $25 application fee. Now, she will pay for food, supplies, and regular pet care but Cupid was raised and trained at no cost to her.
“I can’t speak highly enough about KSDS, they’re doing amazing things,” Massey said. “It was cool to learn about and see the process when I was there for training. The people there truly care about the dogs and their forever homes.”
Massey said KSDS is always looking for puppy raisers who volunteer to take in an eight-week-old pup and teach it basic obedience skills and socialization until the puppy returns to KSDS at about 16 months of age for formal training.
Photo: Massey with Cupid outside Ark City Middle School.
