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.
Liesl and Otto
Meet Liesl and Otto, three-year-old mini dachshunds who support students and staff at the high school. Their owner, student assistance counselor Diane Blinn, shares how Liesl and Otto help lift spirits at the high school. Below is a Q&A with Ms. Blinn.
Q: Did you know your dog had a calm temperament right away?
A: Both dogs are super sweet and love people, and make friends wherever we go, but they both have different personalities & temperaments.
Liesl likes a warm lap to sit in, snuggles, laying in the sunshine, making new friends, rolling in the snow and grass, treats, and more treats, followed by a chaser of treats!
Otto is the high-energy little brother. He loves chasing anything round and can be thrown, and bringing it back so it can be tossed again, going on hikes, making new friends, snuggles after playing with his friends, and treats!
Q: Do your dogs ever “sense” when someone needs extra love?
A: Both dogs are highly intuitive and “tuned into” people, and they sense when someone needs a little extra TLC. Both dogs will go nose-to-nose with you and gaze into your eyes when you need extra love. Liesl is also a smoocher and is known to give a kiss (or two) when she feels that someone is having a “ruff” time. Liesl and Otto love visiting with the high school students, staff and helping people pause the stressors of a typical “ruff” day.
Q: How does your dog “clock out” after a session—is there a post-therapy ritual?
A: Liesl and Otto “clock-in” when we hit the first speed bump driving onto the campus; they know where we are, and there is a cacophony of dog sounds that come from them expressing their joy and anticipation for the day! Liesl and Otto “clock-out” after a day of sharing their “pawsitivity” with a looong nap, fully burrowed under their blankets.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from working together as a team?
A: I absolutely love how excited everyone is when the dogs come to school! Some of my favorite memories are from the summer, when Liesl & Otto had the opportunity to volunteer with younger students during the Summer Extension Program, where they enjoyed teaching students how to approach and interact with dogs safely.
The student consensus is always, whenever Liesl and Otto come to school, it is a dog-gone good time!