Students had some special visitors in health class this week: Drago and Maverick.  They are St. Bernard service dogs. Amy Zeiders, the dogs’ handler, brought the dogs to visit students and to teach them about her job as a service dog handler.

Zeiders has had Drago for a couple of years and just recently got Maverick.  She is working on training Maverick, who is still a puppy.  He is learning to remain calm, even when things are happening in the environment around him. For example, Drago knows not to bark or jump up if there is a loud noise around him, but Maverick still reacts to some noises.

Zeiders keeps busy taking Drago and Maverick to local schools and hospitals to visit with students and patients and offer emotional support. “We are booked out through December already,” Zeider said.  “I really like being able to help people, “she added.  Besides visiting, the dogs also have weekly grooming appointments every Monday.

The students really enjoyed their time with Maverick and Drago.  “I think it would be great if there were emotional support dogs in school all the time,” said senior Jinx Burk.