Fairview students find canine companionship with Stryker, the district’s third therapy dog

At Fairview Elementary School in Indiana Township, it has become much more tangible.

And it’s all because of Stryker, the Fox Chapel Area School District’s newest therapy dog.

The 1-year-old mixed breed motivates the students to achieve top performance. In the school store, students can exchange the points they collect for valuable time with the puppy.

His arrival always causes great excitement among faculty, staff and students.

“Stryker makes me happy and he is unique. “There aren’t many schools across Pennsylvania that have dogs,” said third-grader Graham Readal of O’Hara.

Graham said that when he first saw Stryker in the hallway, he experienced a “What the hell is that?” Moment.

“It’s really special to have him at our school,” he said.

Stefanie Lipke, Fairview’s director of counseling, serves as Stryker’s owner and is responsible for its support on campus.

She self-funded Stryker’s school position, and his attendance is free to the district.

His training to become a therapy dog ​​lasted about 10 weeks.

After test visits in May, Stryker officially began service at Fairview on August 22.

He covers Fairview exclusively and visits the campus several days a week.

A patch on his colorful monogrammed vest encourages everyone he meets to “pet.”

His duties include acting as a morning greeter as students arrive, as a class reward, for “Pawties” (an incentive in the school-wide positive reward program), and for individual and small group sessions.

“He’s kind of on call,” Lipke said.

Stryker is the third therapy dog ​​in the district, joining Avenger at Dorseyville Middle School, cared for by Principal Jon Nauhaus, and Remy at Fox Chapel Area High School, cared for by high school counselor John Baxter.

Remy served eight years ago and worked at the school full-time last year.

“Remy has a large number of regular visitors and is gaining new visitors every day,” Baxter said. “Both children and staff come over to sit and pet Remy so he can undress or relax. His gentle soul helps bring many smiles to visitors’ faces.”

Avenger came to Dorseyville Middle School last year and spends most of his time in the main office, where students and staff can stop by for a quick visit to relax or unwind.

“Avenger also visits certain students at Hartwood Elementary and even occasionally attends meetings where he helps calm what can be a somewhat stressful environment,” Nauhaus said. “Avenger has boosted the morale of students and staff and proven to be a wonderful platform for all who need its services.”

Stryker has no shortage of fans at school.

“The kids talk about him and think he’s really great,” said Indiana Township fourth-grader Lily Lane.

Lily, who is still grieving the death of her family dog ​​in September, said she loved spending time with Stryker at school.

“I came to school sad after losing my dog ​​and Stryker was there,” Lily said.

Lipke added: “Stryker was a comforting support during this time. She is doing much better now and told me she has a new puppy.”

Lipke said Stryker’s contributions as a therapy dog ​​are immeasurable.

“When I introduce Stryker, I tell the kids that he may not show a lot of emotion, but that’s because his job is to absorb everyone’s big emotions,” Lipke said. “It helps create a positive school climate and is a strong motivator for students to learn and strive for positive behaviors.”

Part of the school-wide behavior system called PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), Stryker is a “reward” in the school store that students can select to spend time with after earning points for respect, responsibility and integrity.

To support Lily’s grieving process, Lipke arranged for her to have a one-on-one meeting with Stryker.

“I was very, very happy,” Lily said of the session with Stryker.

Stryker especially enjoys having pets behind the ears, and belly rubs are always welcome.

Indiana Township fifth-grader Isabella Wan rides the bus to school and always keeps a close eye on Stryker when she arrives on campus.

“I’ll pet him as soon as I come in. He is very calm, sweet and calming. “My mom is happy we have Stryker and it’s still new for me, but it makes me feel really good to have a dog here,” said Isabella.

Fairview Principal Susan Kreit described Stryker’s presence on campus as a joy.

“It brings a sense of joy and calm when students have a moment, and I think it’s a nice, consistent presence for them to know that that opportunity exists,” Kreit said.