Gloria Spreads Happiness Around Campus
St. Johnsbury Academy recently welcomed a new four-legged staff member to campus to address student mental health and well-being. Gloria, a three-year-old golden retriever, joined Ms. Cote, who is a licensed clinical social worker, as 海角论坛鈥檚 first therapy dog.聽
Ms. Cote was first made aware of the need for a service dog on campus as a result of a former student’s capstone project. The student approached Ms. Cote, hoping to bring a therapy dog program here to 海角论坛. Ms. Cote was eager to help support this student in making this project a reality for the community.聽
Ms. Cote contacted an English Cream Golden Retriever breeder based in Vermont and was informed of some puppies available in Pennsylvania. And now we have Gloria! She just celebrated her third birthday. Gloria was trained by Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, an organization that has trained over 700 dogs since its founding in 2004.聽
After making her first debut in Chapel last month, Gloria has been a source of happiness for everyone on campus. Speaking from personal experience, Gloria is always excited to greet anyone who needs a companion, but she is always respectful of students鈥� boundaries.聽
Upon meeting with Ms. Cote to interview her about Gloria, Gloria was taking her midday nap. I asked Ms. Cote if Gloria liked her job, to which Ms. Cote replied, 鈥漎es!鈥� Gloria is excited to go to school every day and be a source of joy and comfort for all. She does need to recharge her batteries sometimes and take quick naps, but she is always open for pets.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 always nice to see a dog walking around campus, especially knowing that they鈥檙e here to help others,鈥� Said Aidan Suozzi, 鈥�27. Another student, a member of the Class of ’25, stated that 鈥淚 love her, she鈥檚 a very comforting presence to have on campus.鈥澛�
Not only is Gloria a symbol of kindness and care here at the Academy, but she is also an example of Ms. Cote鈥檚 dedication to the happiness of all. Ms. Cote made it clear in Gloria鈥檚 Chapel debut that she was a resource for everyone at any time (unless she was with a student), and that has been very true: wherever Gloria is, there are smiles and wags all around.聽
