Students and staff at Ross Elementary School are the latest Bryan ISD campus to have a four-legged staff member.
Rhys, The Comfort Dog, officially joined the team on December 10 during the P.A.W.S. Placement Program inside the cafeteria. P.A.W.S. stands for Pups Assisting Wellness and Support. Rhys is an 18-month-old Poodle.
“I just wanted to say we’re really excited for this ongoing partnership with Bryan ISD Education Foundation and Bryan ISD,” said Alyssa Berry, with Interquest C.A.R.E.S.
“About 21 months ago, our foundation board really started to look for creative ways to try to meet the social and emotional needs of our students and our staff,” said Sarah Braden, Bryan ISD Education Foundation Executive Director.
Braden says the goal is to eventually have a comfort dog at every school in Bryan ISD.
“We found Interquest C.A.R.E.S to partner with us," Braden added.
Aaron Gneiding is the Assistant Principal at Ross Elementary and is Rhys’ handler.
“I’ve had Rhys for one day. Today is our homecoming pep rally for Rhys,” he explained.
Gneiding underwent training to be Rhys’ handler. Rhys underwent extensive training for months to become the comfort dog here.
He said Rhys is already making a difference at their school
“It’s huge. It’s definitely going to help all our students and staff. They are super excited. We’re looking to take momentum and push forward,” said Gneiding.
The Texas A&M Ross Volunteers did a sabre presentation to introduce Rhys.
Rhys has been specially trained to work in the school environment.
This is the third Comfort Dog placement in Bryan ISD this school year. Kemp – Carver Elementary and Neal Elementary had comfort dogs dedicated at their campuses this fall.
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