Posted on 11/12/2007 12:53:42 PM PST by DogByte6RER
Freedom Middle School
Orlando school uses extra-sensitive dog as counselor for students
Mr. Harv instinctively picks up on body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.
Susan Jacobson
Sentinel Staff Writer
November 9, 2007
When Mr. Harv goes to school, he spends his time playing ball, sitting on students' laps and lying down on the job.
It's all in a day's work for Harv, Freedom Middle School's unofficial mascot and Central Florida's only known full-time canine counselor.
At Freedom, every day is a dog day. Students greet Harv with hearty "hellos" and a vigorous belly rub. If there's a crisis at home or in the classroom, kids know they can visit Harv for a hug and a cry. Harv might lick them, but he won't judge them.
Cindy Frongello, Harv's handler, says the 3-year-old Labrador-golden retriever mix instinctively picks up on body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.
Researchers have studied dogs' ability to comfort people who are sick or stressed, but there's little more than anecdotal evidence backing claims that dogs react to mood. Nevertheless, Frongello is a believer.
"I'm 100 percent convinced that he has an ability to understand when someone feels bad and needs comfort," said Frongello, the school's Student Assistance and Family Empowerment coordinator. She helps kids with problems such as bullying, anger and bereavement. "He's a lot smarter than I am."
Harv was on the job Thursday when a visibly upset girl came to Frongello's portable classroom and flopped into a chair. Harv immediately left another student and hopped onto a seat next to the girl, gazing at her while she talked to Frongello, a psychologist.
Since arriving at the school in south Orange County last year, Harv has won over the students.
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
There is something really insidious about using a dog as a COUNSELOR at a middle school.
Although, maybe this is a step up from the run-of-the-mill teachers union hacks who typically fill these positions.
Probably a lot more effective than trained counselors. Not to knock them, but I’ve always thought school districts are way too quick to send them in without letting students try to work things out for themselves or with friends and family. Dogs are more likely to help them do that. I had one year in elementary school where I was very unhappy and my mom says I cried in my cat’s fur and talked to her a lot. A much heathier process than always running for the professional.
ping
You can get a dog to deal cards if you apply enough voltage.
Photo slideshow link of the “dog counselor” in action (the pooch looks like he could host his own TV show called “The Human Whisperer”)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-pg-superdog110907,0,6759066.photogallery?coll=orl_home_promo
Wimpification of America.
Student Assistance and Family Empowerment coordinator Cindy Frongello (center) listens to a Freedom Middle School student (left) as Mr. Harv, a Labrador-golden retriever mix, sits beside her. (Counselor Dog to student: "If you do not refrain from sexual harassment at this school, you will be forced into mandatory sessions with Sexual Harassment Panda.")
He can't offer rotten advice.
He can't report the students to anybody.
He can't blab about what he's heard.
All he can do is listen and give doggy kisses.
Sounds pretty good to me.
My two are totally unsuitable for this work. They would leap on the children, knock them down, rifle their pockets for treats, and cover them with big wet doggy slurps (not like the cute little restrained kiss this one is giving).
My two on the lookout for any ducks to retrieve (or schoolchildren to knock over).
ping
A job title that simply screams "Politically Correct!"
True, but isn’t it interesting how peanuts/peanut butter are becoming verboten in some schools due to allergies, yet the doggie with his dander is raising no eyebrows (yet)?
Come to think of it, I’d have preferred the dog to the “guidance counselor” m’self!
Yes...very PC indeed.
Student Assistance & Family Empowerment = S.A.F.E.
Catchy title, eh?
Stupidification of FReepers. You're exhibit 1.
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