Tuesday's Coquitlam board of education meeting was enlivened by the introduction of two super-dogs. But the animals were much more sedate than the trick dogs at the popular PNE agility show.
Handlers showed how Tartan and Cypress, two Pacific Assistance Dogs, are trained to be working dogs that can be employed to help children improve reading skills.
The presentation was organized by the district's teaching and evaluation centre and Animal Ambassadors for Reading Fun. The dogs were brought in to show how they can help children with learning disabilities overcome a fear of reading aloud.
Tartan and Cypress demonstrated several commands and PADS executive director Kevin Pidwerbeski said the two were trained for two years. He recommended the district consider acquiring a PADS dog, which could be available for special programs and to help students deal with traumatic situations.
A PADS dog recently assisted Delta Police victim services at a school after the beating of a high school student. "It was an amazing transformation for these kids," he said of the experience, in which the dogs helped students deal with their feelings.
To acquire a PADS dog, the district would have to demonstrate a commitment to the dog for its 10-year working life, provide it with unencumbered access and pay $700 to train a handler who would keep the dog at home when it's not working at schools.
Pidwerbeski expressed an interest in PADS establishing a long-term relationship with SD43.
dstrandberg@tricitynews.com
