FAIRMONT — Fairmont Elementary students are getting extra emotional support from a four-legged friend. Hazen, a therapy dog, works alongside school social worker Amy Becker to help students feel comfortable and connected at school. Since the school year began, Hazen has greeted students in the morning and participated in classroom lessons focused on mindfulness, self-control and safely interacting with animals. Becker says one parent reported that a student who had struggled with coming to school began transitioning more easily after seeing Hazen. The school district has supported the program, and Becker hopes to use this year to fine-tune it while Hazen gains experience toward becoming a certified therapy dog.
