In the 2018-19 school year, we were introduced to the first school dog, Murphy, back when he was just a puppy. He has grown up a lot since then and now his half-brother, Curly, works beside him. Curly and Murphy share a father and Curly is 8 months younger than Murphy. Murphy is now two years old and has improved on his skills as a EAD over the years.
Murphy has since finished all his training and testing and is an American Kennel Club (AKC) certified service dog. Murphy has become 100% comfortable with his school surroundings and his job. “He knows where everyone and everything is and has his own morning and afternoon routine at school when he is done working with his kids in the Life Lab.” says Mrs. Jennifer Wrona, one of our assistant principals.
Being a service dog is hard work, but it is work that Murphy enjoys and loves. "I found it Important for him to keep his routine as regular as I could, even though there were no students." says Wrona. Even during the time of spring while we all had to learn as home, Murphy was on campus with other staff members working at school.
With COVID being the new normal, students who wear a mask are still able to visit Murphy. Just like how we know Murphy is working when he has his vest on, Murphy knows it too. Murphy knows when he is off and when he is working and to take things seriously. Murphy is incredibly intelligent and it shows.
Apart from school, Murphy has grown his personality too: "Without the vest, Murphy is extremely mischievous! He loves stealing kitchen towels, socks, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and even toilet paper! His mind never stops.” Wrona stated. After work, Murphy can be found playing with Curly. "You can definitely tell who the ‘cool’ older brother is (Murphy) and who the little ‘annoying ‘brother is (Curly)," Wrona continued. We are happy with the progress Murphy has made and cannot wait to see what is to come from him.
