Ziggy and Catskill Academy student Elizabeth Sereikis spend some quality time together.
Ziggy, a three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix had a rough start to life. After being rescued from a shelter, he spent time in several different foster homes before being adopted by Questar III BOCES School Social Worker Mari Warfel-O’Keefe.
According to Warfel-O’Keefe, Ziggy had a lot of trust and fear issues, the likely result of past abuse.
Now, after 36 weeks of various training, Ziggy is a certified therapy dog, helping students at Greenville Central School District and Questar III’s Catskill Academy gain the confidence and skills to read out loud. Because of Ziggy’s story, he is also a positive model for the students on how perseverance and hard work can pay off.
A student at Catskill Academy reads out loud to Ziggy as part of the “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program.
Ziggy is part of Therapy Dogs International “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” reading program which provides a relaxed and non-threatening environment for students with reading difficulties. The students sit down next to the dog and read out loud to them. Their reading improves because of practice, increased self-esteem and associated reading with something pleasant.
Warfel-O’Keefe says Ziggy has a calming effect on the students, who enjoy working with him.
“They come in to see me, but I know they’re really here for the dog,” she said.
According to their website, Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.
