Students and staff on Monday welcomed "Essie" to the family. She's a brand new facility dog who will be on campus every day. Essie is the second facility dog in our system, following the arrival of "Ghost" last year at Hanceville Elementary.
Essie has trained with several handlers as part of the 'Follow the Lead' program with Service Dogs Alabama. Assistant Principal Shannon Waters and teacher Audrey Parker last week attended a "doggie camp" to learn how to properly handle Essie both when on campus and off campus.
The arrival of Essie has been a three-year project. We hope to add another facility dog to the system this school year. We would not be able to make this happen without the generous support of Service Dogs Alabama.