RHS welcomes therapy dog ​​Bentley – Revere Journal

By Melissa Moore-Randall

It looks like Revere Comfort Dog K9 Charlie will have some company as he walks the halls of Revere High School.

RHS recently welcomed Bentley the Goldendoodle as part of the PAWsitive Impact Program led by Handler/Assistant Principal Afton Dean and Co-Handler/Restorative Interventionist Melissa Hamilton.

Bentley, a 9-month Goldendoodle and therapy dog ​​in training, will serve as an honorary member of the Building Leadership Team and will primarily assist Ms. Hamilton with restorative interventions once a week.

According to Dean, “Bentley’s role is to participate in restorative circles and provide comfort to students working through conflict. Outside of that work, he likes to see students in the hallways and common areas. As the school year progresses, Bentley hopes to implement a number of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) systems to reward and recognize students.”

“I have always loved dogs and had a Boston Terrier growing up. I’ve read countless feel-good stories about the impact of therapy dogs in schools across the country. That was an extra motivation for me to become a handler and adopt a dog like Bentley. I look forward to watching him bring joy and positivity to the lives of our students.”

“Bentley is currently participating in regular training through New England Canine. He is in the process of obtaining all his certifications. Outside of formal training, he is constantly working on socialization, going to pet-friendly places to work on best practices and build his skills. He’s definitely learning that when the vest comes on, it’s time to work. The response to Bentley has been overwhelmingly positive. It was great to see students smile and get excited when they saw Bentley.”

According to the American Kennel Association, “Therapy dogs are dogs that accompany their owners to volunteer in institutions such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes. From working with a child learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people. Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Assistance dogs are dogs that are specially trained to perform specific tasks to assist someone with a disability.”

Bentley will be the third therapy dog ​​to work with Revere Public Schools staff and students. In addition to K9 Charlie, Revere also received many visits from the now retired Toby. He celebrated his thousandth visit to the Hill School in May. Despite being retired, Toby still makes surprise visits. For more information about Bentley, follow him on Instagram @rhs.bentley