MOUNT VERNON – No disrespect to the dedicated administrators, teachers and aides at the Knox Learning Center, but the school’s most popular staff member arrives on four paws.
Gracie, a 3 1/2-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever, comes to work each day with her owner, Barbara Waite, the Learning Center’s special education secretary and office manager.
That’s just the start of her story.
The Learning Center, operated by the Knox Educational Service Center, is an alternative school for students who have difficulty succeeding in a traditional school environment. Some have behavioral issues.
Gracie isn’t a certified therapy dog and she doesn’t pretend to be. But her gentle demeanor and an instinctive sense for knowing when kids need help are an invaluable asset to the school, said Director Joe Mazzari.
“I’ve seen children come to the office upset and crying and not knowing what to do,” he said. “Then they just lay there and hold the dog. Soon they’re better and they go back to class.”
Waite, who keeps Gracie in her office, said Gracie has an acute awareness about those around her.
“She just knows,” Waite said. “A teacher brought down a little girl who was upset and crying. She sat down on Gracie’s bed and Gracie moved as close to her as she could. Gracie snuggled against the girl and actually licked her tears. It wasn’t long before the girl was much better and returned to her room.”
Students and staff who visit the main office often walk the few steps to Waite’s office to reach across the short gate and pet Gracie and talk to her.
In one elementary classroom students who do their work and exhibit good behavior can select special cards that entitle them to snacks and other small rewards. There are “Gracie cards” which children often choose to be able to spend time with the lovable dog.
“Obviously, Gracie has to go outside to the restroom so some of the children have taken turns to be able to do that task of responsibility and then go back to their classrooms,” Mazzari said. “There are many, many opportunities for the dog to influence the children in a very positive way.”
Gracie is the second Chocolate Lab that Waite has brought to the Learning Center. Jesse accompanied her to work each day until her unexpected death from cancer at age 6.
After a time, Waite and her husband sought to fill the void left by Jesse’s passing. They searched unsuccessfully for a while before finding a respected breeder who would have a litter soon. Gracie was born June 12, 2020. The Waites got her two months later.
The loss of Jesse was felt at the Learning Center too.
“The time between Jesse and Gracie was long enough to just feel there was a void in our program,” Mazzari said. “From the adults working in this building to the children it was a way for everybody to be calm when the dog was around.”
Gracie has picked up where Jesse left off. No formal therapy training, no diploma, no certificate – just a keen sense of knowing when her love and caring will help those around her.
Everyone needs a best friend to turn to now and then. Sometimes that friend comes on four paws.