2 minute read
Coach: Providence Day's Furry Companion
Written by Drennan Shall.
Since his recent arrival on campus, Coach, an English cream golden retriever, has brought joy, comfort, and a wagging tail to students navigating their school day.
Coach is a year old and already a campus celebrity at Providence Day School, connecting with students across all grade levels.
“It’s a joy to bring my dog to work every day and share him with our community,” said Ms. Ashley Liberto, Coach’s handler and the 6th-grade dean.
Coach’s training journey has been both challenging and rewarding. In addition to learning general behavioral and social skills, Coach mastered a variety of commands needed to become a certified therapy dog. His training included individual instruction, group classes with fellow dogs, and real-life scenarios designed to test his skills. These experiences helped prepare him for his therapy dog certification exam.
“One of our toughest experiences was going to the airport,” Ms Liberto said. “He had to walk off-leash through the airport when it was busy and loud.”
After passing his certification and receiving plenty of treats, Coach became a regular presence on campus. He greets students in the morning carpool and visits lower school classes to participate in activities.
Between breaks, Coach can be found relaxing on the stairs of the Dickson-Hemby Technology Center. He also makes appearances at school events, including this year’s pep rally and homecoming football game. Through these interactions, students learn valuable life skills such as empathy and the importance of finding joy amid life’s challenges.
“I hope the kids learn empathy and focus on the joy in the world,” Ms. Liberto said. “It’s easy to get bogged down by negativity, but seeing Coach and the happiness he brings to everyone is amazing.”
Throughout his day-to-day activities on campus, Coach helps create a relaxing and joyful atmosphere for both students and faculty. Whether playing tug-of-war during his free time or simply offering a calming presence, Providence Day’s therapy dog has made the campus more welcoming. His playful spirit and gentle nature have fostered a sense of community that enriches the school environment for everyone.
