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.
River
Meet River, a one-year-old Great Pyrenees mix who supports students and staff throughout the district. Her owner, Pam Fitzgerald, is the district athletic trainer. River plays an important role by offering a calming presence to students who may be injured or upset during athletic events, helping to ease their stress and bring comfort in difficult moments. Below is a Q&A with Ms. Fitzgerald.
Q: What’s a work day for River look like?
A: River has a routine when we come to work. When we arrive, we pick up the golf cart where she rides shotgun. We stop by the training room, then she heads to the school store to see Josiah, and then off to the nurse’s office. Next, she heads to the athletics office to see Uncle Matt (Mr. Ronca), then quickly to the gym and the training room. She greets all the athletes, naps under my desk, then she is back in the golf cart, ready for practices and games. If an athlete gets hurt, she needs to check on them. Next year, we plan to do things with Jodi Scalise’s students.
Q: How did you know your dog would be a good fit for therapy work?
A: As a pup, she would come to practices now and then. On one of her first visits, an athlete was having a meltdown. River went over to him and put her head on his lap, and you could watch the athlete de-escalate. Right then, I knew she was meant to be a therapy dog. She just knows who needs her love, and she loves coming to school for practices and games
Q: How does your dog unwind after a hard day’s work?
A: Sher loves to play with canine brother Theo and feline brother Leo. She loves running through the woods, going out in my canoe, and being my shadow. She is very treat-motivated and loves to find baseballs and softballs out on the fields. From day one, she has known work is work and home is play.
Q: How did you and River meet each other?
A: In September 2024, I was to foster her through Mountain Rottie Rescue. When River was handed to me, I knew immediately I was going to be a foster fail. She was a cuddling, gentle and sweet little girl.