Service dog comes to Pat Hardy

By Rechell McDonald
Meet Sage. Sage is a two-year-old Black Lab who was born and raised in Edmonton with an organization known as Dogs with Wings. This organization specializes in developing and training service dogs, and Sage has traveled to Whitecourt to begin assisting students at Pat Hardy.
Sage will be cared for by Grade 1 teacher Megan Little who will be responsible for her continued training and well-being. Sage will spend her days in Miss Little’s grade one class, and may also make visits to other classrooms in the afternoons.
Sage’s regular work day will consist of helping children transition through activities, she’ll be a shoulder to lean on during bad days, and an eager ear for anyone who wants to practice his or her reading with an audience.
The effect service dogs have on people are tremendous and there has been a lot of research surrounding dogs and how they can increase quality of life. The staff and students have already been affected by Sage, and the more time she spends at the school, the greater the benefit will be to everyone.

“The goal for this year is to form a strong bond with her new owner and the staff trained to work with her, as well as get her settled into a daily school routine,” explains Melissa Baker, Educational Assistant at Pat Hardy. “Sage spends her days with the children of Pat Hardy and enjoys her evenings with Miss Little and her fiancée Tyson romping at the dog park, making four-legged friends, and being a great dog!”