CMS going to the dogs

This year, the Peregrine team of Mrs. Warner and Ms. Gunther at CMS are piloting a golden retriever service dog named Rudder in their science room to see if a service dog program can be accomplished in a middle school.

When Rudder first came to CMS, his new environment made him very apprehensive. His training atmosphere was to have as little noise or sudden movements as possible. As long as Rudder does not have his green vest on, the students may pet and/or call his name only if they ask permission first. The only time Rudder doesn't have his vest on is when he is in class with the students.

Being in class with the students? Yes, but Rudder does not read or write. He learns his basic commands, sit, stay, come, etc. The students on the Peregrine team get full interaction with the dog. They may play with him when they are doing they're homework or when Mrs. Warner isn't teaching. Sometimes Mrs. Warner will have one or two students help Rudder with his commands. Apart from playing with the dog, the students are also planning on helping the rest of the school know what to do around Rudder, his sister Jib, or any other service dog in the school.

The students are doing a project called the "Puppy Project." This project enables the students to teach the school about why Rudder and the other dogs are there. It also helps them learn more about Rudder. The Peregrine Team says, "It will be hard to let him go."