At Mohonasen, therapy dogs have become a comforting and familiar presence for students and staff alike. With more than 10 certified therapy dogs visiting regularly across all grade levels, the district has embraced these furry companions as part of its commitment to student wellness and mental health support.
To help everyone get to know these special animals, the district will showcase a new therapy dog each week.
Harper
Meet Harper, a nine-year-old boxer who supports students and staff at the high school. Her owner, Katie Bartone, is a science teacher at MHS. Known for her goofy faces, Harper entertains people with her bouncy, clumsy personality. Below is a Q&A with Mrs. Bartone.
Q: What’s the most heartwarming moment you’ve experienced with your therapy dog?
A: My favorite thing is how excited the students get to see her when they come in, and also how excited Harper gets when they know her name.
Q: Has your dog ever surprised you with their ability to comfort someone?
A: Yes, Harper can know when people need a little extra comfort. She also has surprised me lately because she has a new baby brother at home, and every time he cries, she looks at the adults like “uh, do you hear that? Are you going to do something about that?” She doesn’t like it when he cries. If anyone other than me is with him, she thinks she probably should help them, because they probably don’t know what they’re doing.
Q: Does your dog have any quirky habits that make people smile?
A: When Harper gets excited, she licks the air like a crazy woman. She also gets her lip stuck to her tooth, which gives her a very goofy look on her face that people enjoy.
Q: Does your dog prefer belly rubs or ear scratches?
A: Harper would love 2 friends giving belly rubs and ear scratches at the same time. She never goes for belly rubs at school, but it is her “go-to” at home. She also doesn’t usually wear a collar at home, so when she’s working and wearing her collar, if someone scratches right along the collar, it will make her back leg go crazy.
Q: How did you know your dog would be a good fit for therapy work?
A: Harper became a therapy dog because she followed in her fur brother’s footsteps. Cooper was one of the first therapy dogs to ever grace MHS hallways and was an amazing mentor to Harper as she found her own way to provide therapy to students. Cooper passed away in 2020 and was awarded tenure posthumously when Harper and Gracie (Rob Higgins Therapy Dog) received tenure in 2022.
Q: How does your dog unwind after a hard day’s work?
A: Probably Harper’s favorite post-work ritual is a good, solid nap in the sunshine. She enjoys lying in our front door in the sun and catching some zzz’s while she keeps an eye on her neighborhood.
