Yes, we know you want him to lick your face, no, this is not about Ryan Reynolds.
Verdot, the beloved North Creek High School dog, has truly impacted many attending students in extremely positive ways. Verdot is coming up on his sixth birthday in March, having been at North Creek for four years. He never fails to add a little bit of sparkle to students’ days. Initially enrolled in guide dog training, he was unable to complete the certification process. Due to this, he became a therapy dog. It was only then that North Creek was privileged enough to meet and work alongside him.
“He comes into buildings and he just brings a good presence, a nice, happy, good luck presence,” said NCHS teacher Chris Harrison, who’s worked closely with Verdot over the years.
Not only has Verdot influenced Harrison’s students, but also those in need of comfort in the counseling center. As a therapy dog he provides attention and compassion to many students at North Creek. Whether they’re having a bad day, or they just want to drop by and see him. Verdot truly has made his mark in the North Creek community.
Verdot has spent his entire life interacting with people, so whether it’s students, staff, or both, he always lends a helping hand to those in need. According to Harrison, the school counselors also rely on Verdot. “They will come down to my room and say, ‘Can we borrow Verdot?’ and they take him in,”.
According to the World Health Organization, teenagers frequently struggle with anxiety, stress, and depression. Therapy dogs like Verdot at schools can have an a positive affect on students’ mental health. Several studies demonstrate how therapy dogs can benefit students not only mentally but also physically. Verdot’s calming presence could improve anyone’s day, even if they aren’t currently experiencing any worries at all.
In addition to helping students in the counseling center, he has also assisted students who are afraid of or more wary of dogs. Verdot has had a great deal of influence, according to Harrison, who has witnessed the dog’s positive effect on students numerous times.
“[As for] the students that are a little bit more apprehensive about the dog, we try to figure out why they’re originally scared and try to get over that. So he’s had a lot of positive impact,” said Harrison.
Despite his brief time at our school and the pandemic that occurred in the meantime, he has contributed significantly to the school. If you haven’t already fallen victim to his unfathomable alluring puppy dog eyes, you probably soon will.
