8 very good pups help staff Carmel Clay Schools. Meet Max, Luna and friends

Rachel Fradette, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read
2

In Carmel Clay Schools, therapy dogs have started to join classrooms and walk hallways. The hope is to have even more furry friends join the school district.

Meet the eight doggos lending a paw to support Carmel students and staff.

How the dogs joined the schools:In Carmel Clay classrooms and hallways therapy dogs impart important lessons

Jim Dandee

Jim Dandee, a therapy dog, sits with his handler, Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Michael Beresford, as they visit students Friday, March 3, 2023 at West Clay Elementary School. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed.
Jim Dandee, a therapy dog, sits with his handler, Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Michael Beresford, as they visit students Friday, March 3, 2023 at West Clay Elementary School. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed.

Age: 3.5 years

Breed: Golden Retriever

Handler: Superintendent Michael Beresford

School: Central office

Fun fact: Jim Dandee's favorite treats are Charlee Bears. Jim gets one when he's a good boy.

Appa

Appa is a therapy dog at College Wood Elementary School. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed. Photo taken Friday, March 3, 2023.
Appa is a therapy dog at College Wood Elementary School. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed. Photo taken Friday, March 3, 2023.

Age: 1.5 years

Breed: Goldendoodle

School: College Woods Elementary School

Handler: Sarah BruBaker

Fun fact: Appa loves to hike, fish and play tug of war. Appa is named after the flying bison from "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

Palmer

Palmer a therapy dog, comes to school with his owner and handler, West Clay Elementary School Principal Jill Schipp, Friday, March 3, 2023. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed.
Palmer a therapy dog, comes to school with his owner and handler, West Clay Elementary School Principal Jill Schipp, Friday, March 3, 2023. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed.

Age: 2 years

School: West Clay Elementary School

Breed: Goldendoodle

Handler: Jill Schipp

Fun fact: Palmer gets groomed every five weeks to maintain his super soft coat. Palmer loves to dance and play with bubbles.

Sirius Black

Sirius Black
Sirius Black

Age: 5 years

School: Carmel Middle School

Breed: Black Labrador Retriever/Beagle mix

Handler: James Dowell

Fun fact: Sirius was valedictorian of his first training class scoring 99% on his test. Sirius is named after Sirius Black from the Harry Potter book series.

Auggie

Auggie is a therapy dog at Clay Middle School. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed. Photo taken Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Auggie is a therapy dog at Clay Middle School. In Carmel Clay Schools, eight therapy dogs and their handlers support children emotionally and give cuddles when needed. Photo taken Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Age: 4 years

School: Clay Middle School

Breed: Sheepadoodle

Handler: Erin Naas

Fun fact: Long walks, playing fetch, chasing squirrels and snuggling.

Rosie (Rosebud)

Rosie
Rosie

Age: 1 year

School: Carmel High School

Breed: Golden Retriever

Handler: Amy Skeens-Benton

Fun fact: She loves to play with her Pekinese brother, Jamie.

Luna

Luna
Luna

Age: 4 years

School: Mohawk Trails Elementary

Breed: Supermutt mix

Handler: Lindsey Yoder

Fun fact: She likes to play with squeaky toys and participate in student groups.

Max

Max
Max

Age: 3 years

School: Smoky Row Elementary

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Handler: Lily Jay

Fun fact: Max has Master Trekker Certification, meaning he is a certified adventure dog. In his spare time, he likes to swim, hike, kayak, boat and practice retrieving.

Rachel Fradette is a suburban education reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at rfradette@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter at @Rachel_Fradette.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet the 8 Carmel Clay Schools therapy dogs who help ease anxieties