GMHS welcomes new building therapy dog

Posted on October 6, 2021, in Lancer Life

General McLane High School — meet Cooper.

Cooper is a certified therapy dog who will be on-call full-time at General McLane High School, who is trained to provide comfort and support to students and staff.  He is the first dog in GMHS’ new Therapy Dog Program.

The Therapy Dog Program was designed by administrators coming off of the 2020-2021 School Year to increase mental health and social support throughout the building.

Cooper is a Labrador Retriever and is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs International program and will be following their safety and health protocols.  

Mrs. Brenda Hertel, his handler, will always have Cooper on a leash. He has just started working with students this week. When he is not out in classrooms working, he is stationed in Mrs. Hertel’s office.

Tractor Supply in Edinboro donated a crate, a crate mat, and several other goodies for the GMHS Therapy Dog Program.

Cooper is available for general visits, quick 10-20 minute visits to classrooms and scheduled activities, incorporating him into a lesson.

Mrs. Hertel is still working with Cooper developing animal assisted activities so that he is able to do individualized student request visits soon.

Welcome to GMHS, Cooper!