Pet Therapy In School

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Scott Schreiner, L.C.S.W.-R, has spent many of his 20 years as a social worker in schools, with one of the most passionate aspects of his work being pet therapy. Schreiner moved to New York from the west for social work within two of Bassett Healthcare Network’s school based health center’s nearly one year ago, and he knew that he would bring this form of therapy with him. He had seen the amazing effects his own therapy dog, a black Labrador retriever named Chester, had had on the students at a therapeutic boarding school in Montana. He had observed how the dog piqued students’ curiosity and gave them a sense of comfort and trust.

“They often felt more relaxed,” says Mr. Schreiner of the students. “In a setting that can seem cold and sterile, Chester provided these individuals with a more homelike atmosphere. They’d often come down to my office to get love from, or give love to the dog.”

Last fall, Schreiner began his work in Bassett’s school based health centers in Schenevus Central School (SCS) and Worcester Central School (WCS). He has introduced WCS students to Chester, and a second dog, a yellow Labrador retriever who goes by the name of Tucker. Next fall, students at SCS will get to spend time with the therapy dogs, as well.

“When I came upon this job with Bassett,” continues Schreiner, “I spoke with Jane Hamilton, manager of the School-Based Health Program, and wondered why, if Bassett already had a pet therapy program in place at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, we couldn’t do the same with a school based program. Bassett’s health center at WCS is now the first location to have therapy dogs, and both Tucker and Chester are allowing these students, who today grow up so quickly and are exposed to so much at a young age, to be kids.”

Schreiner feels that in the current economic climate, a ripple effect is being seen in his office. Families are often under more stress, and he notes that this can elicit a general sense of anxiety among some children. With Chester and Tucker, Schreiner looks to provide students with a chance to relax, to be care-free.

“Dogs don’t judge, and they love unconditionally. There’s no new technology when it comes to these relationships,” says Schreiner. “It’s the magic of what happens between children and pets. The bond is old, timeless, and it works.”