For many students, school can be a stressful place, but there is a positive change likely coming to Algonquin that most students can look forward to: a therapy dog.

Parker, a three-year-old black lab, is owned by librarian aide Joann Amberson, who started training him to be a therapy dog in the summer of 2017. While Parker would not be available in the library on a daily basis at first, Amberson hopes to incorporate him into the T-Hawk family as much as possible.

“We’re shooting for two days a week,”  Amberson said. “And if it works out, maybe we could get it approved for daily. And then classes could come down and book a little Parker time.”

Principal Dr. Sara Pragluski Walsh addressed some concerns with this plan at a recent faculty meeting, such as a possible fear of dogs or allergies preventing a student from entering the library. The administration is working to have as many community members as possible take a survey about having a service dog at ARHS so they can address all potential questions or concerns.

“We want to be sure to take the time to understand the impact [of Parker’s presense] on the whole community,” Walsh said in an email.

At a Jan. 13 faculty meeting, Walsh noted that she is working closely with the nurses and she will recommend that parents contact the nurse’s office if they have any concerns. At the meeting, Walsh also said Superintendent Gregory Martineau was currently working on the logistics of the plan.

Along with members of administration, multiple students have taken interest in the idea of a therapy pet as well.  

Sophomore Ethan Connolly said he would “absolutely” stop by the library to see a therapy dog.

“I think it will be fun for people who don’t have dogs to see dogs,” Connolly said. “And for people who have anxiety or are paranoid … they have that option. Other than going to talk to a person, they can just sit with an animal.”

Amberson would like to welcome Parker to the library and have him interact with students as soon as possible.

 “He’s a very calm dog,” Amberson said. “He loves to retrieve.”

Parker could possibly come in during testing weeks such as finals week or during AP tests.

“Parker would be in the library maybe for [an event] like before midterms to be a calming presence,” Amberson said.