March 4, 2024
ALBERTVILLE – Albertville City Schools has a new staff member, and she has four paws and a wagging tail.
Georgia, a labradoodle, is Albertville’s new facility dog. Agriscience teacher and Georgia’s handler Sherry Little said a facility dog differs from a service dog because the dog assists the entire school with a variety of needs. Meanwhile, a service dog is for one specific person for a specific purpose.
Georgia arrived for her first day on Feb. 26. Both Little and the secondary handler, Tanner Mayo went for a week-long training program to prepare for her arrival. Together, they are Georgia’s caretakers and bring Georgia to the classrooms where she is needed.
Embedded within the animal science pathway at the new Albertville Innovation Academy, students in the program will actively participate in her care and accompany her as she visits classrooms and community and school events.
“By integrating Georgia into our animal science pathway, we’re enhancing experiential learning. Students will not only deepen their understanding of animal behavior and care but also experience first hand the bond between humans and animals,” said Assistant Superintendent Todd Watkins. “Beyond academics, the addition of a facility dog underscores our dedication to supporting mental health and well-being in our school community.”
Watkins first began working on the grant for a facility dog in 2022. Albertville was able to bring Georgia aboard after receiving a grant through Service Dogs of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Education. Service Dogs of Alabama is a nonprofit organization that is making efforts for school systems to have facility dogs available.
“Georgia is a wonderful addition to our school community,” said Watkins. “Our hope is to expand facility dogs across the system. What Georgia brings to our schools is amazing.”
Georgia will travel to the schools in Albertville to visit classrooms, listen to students read or present projects, provide comfort, interact with the kids, or more often that not, just be present in the room. She will also be working with students in the education and training pathway.
“There is no better way to learn a skill than hands on and having Georgia in class is an added bonus for my students. My students will learn the basic care for dogs and other animals, the practice of routine examinations and proper nutrition,” said Little. “Having a live animal to physically interact with will significantly enhance my ability to teach the animal science pathways.”
Dr. Roger Adams, a local veterinarian, has volunteered to serve as Georgia’s caregiver. Dr. Adams will provide her with essential veterinary care, including vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea medication, at no cost to the school.
Albertville Farmers Co-op has stepped forward to support Georgia’s nutritional needs. Through their partnership, Georgia will receive high-quality food tailored to her dietary requirements, ensuring she remains nourished and energized to fulfill her role as a facility dog.
“Georgia’s arrival marks an exciting chapter in our commitment to student support and enrichment,” said Albertville Superintendent Dr. Bart Reeves. “We deeply appreciate the dedication of Mr. Watkins in spearheading efforts to bring Georgia to our school, as well as Ms. Little’s invaluable role as her handler. Their hard work ensures that Georgia will positively impact our students’ educational journey.”
According to a study from Georgia Southern University, facility dogs can increase student’s confidence, reading skills and provide emotional and social benefits for students. Research also indicates dogs are able to reduce stress and increase motivation, focus and task persistence. Even the simple act of petting an animal can lower blood pressure and be life-enhancing.
Facility dogs are specifically trained to work with multiple people and intervention tasks. These particular dogs are chosen for such training because their personalities are confident enough to work off-leash without direction. They are trustworthy in professional environments as they are able to act independently of their handler to seek out students/people who need them.
Students and staff experience the love, attention and acceptance offered by trained school facility dogs. Georgia is an additional resource in the building that engages students to help build healthy attachments, increase verbal interactions, develop leisure/recreation skills, boost self-esteem, decrease anxieties, reduce loneliness and improve attention skills.
“Having a facility dog like Georgia isn’t just having a pet; she’s quickly become part of our family. Mr. Mayo and I went through very intense and rigorous training that we don’t take lightly. Georgia went through years of training to ensure she is trained to serve our students and staff to the best of her ability,” said Little. “We’re committed to ensuring Georgia’s readiness to serve our students and staff. We’re planning to offer professional development sessions to familiarize everyone with her care and commands at the start of each school year.”
Georgia, a labradoodle, is Albertville City Schools’ new facility dog. She is pictured here with her handler, agriscience teacher Sherry Little. Embedded within the animal science pathway at the new Albertville Innovation Academy, students in the program will actively participate in Georgia’s care and accompany her as she visits classrooms and community and school events.
