Dogs and students: Lessons in learning and love

By Brenna Wiegand

Almost everyone knows pets are good for you, but when they become part of a special needs class, their impact is seen in a more tangible way.

Mary Rankin, who teaches basic life skills to students with special needs at Silverton High School, is quite pleased with this next step in the class’ “We Let the Dogs Out” program started in 2007.

“The benefits are amazing,” Rankin said. “Holding an animal has enabled a couple of students to be able to sit and read and answer questions – they can actually focus.”

Rankin said the kids become like parents to the dogs and contact with the animals relieves anxiety, and fosters self-esteem, social skills and a willingness to take part in group activities.

“We started our program in 2007 with dog walking and making doggie biscuits and doggie gift baskets to sell,” Rankin said. “Making the biscuits, we can teach shopping, cooking and marketing skills. They’re making the product and are accountable for it; they take ownership for it.”

Making the dog biscuit, the kids become familiar with several cooking skills and, unlike other recipes, this one is sure to please.

“Dogs don’t care if you mess up,” classroom aide Becky Hopkins joked.

However, the dog biscuits they sell are of top quality and consist of a handful of wholesome ingredients – fine for human consumption (and not bad, either).

The students continue to make the biscuits and baskets, but the dog-walking posed challenges; namely transportation to and from the client’s home and the weather.

Instead, they’ve started up a by-donation doggie daycare program for some staff members’ pets – and can take them from the classroom for walks around school grounds.

Rankin wasn’t sure what would happen when she suggested the idea to SHS Principal Mark Hannan.

“He had the usual concerns, which we addressed, but both he and Linda (Brown, district director of special services) have been great,” Rankin said. “They saw the value in it. They trust us and are always rooting for the program.”

The dogs don’t mind it, either.

They get all kinds of attention – walking, hugging, petting, talking and the occasional dropped biscuit.
The grateful recipients include Arthur the Great Dane, elegant and affectionate and just the right height for wrapping your arms around; Zeus, Rankin’s pug, little tongue peeking out and charming anyone in his path; Theo, a smart, happy Labradoodle with personality to spare; and a calm, aware Standard Schnauzer, always game for fun, by the name of Maddie.

The high school’s Special Education department boasts five classrooms – three learning resource centers; a structured learning program (which manages the school’s espresso stand, The Frothy Fox); and Rankin’s 24-student basic skills class, several of whom spend part of their day helping out at the food bank, Marquis Care at Silver Gardens, with Meals on Wheels and the like.

“Most schools don’t have five special ed classrooms,” Rankin said. “We are pretty lucky.”

Rankin and her invaluable aids Donna Crane, Becky Hopkins, Mary Barnes and Suzanne Bergstrom are always looking for field trips and other activities and curriculums to enrich, educate and engage their students – and ways to fund them.

When needed, the staff members cover athletic or club fees so a student can participate, or maybe an ASB card.

So an out-of-the-blue phone call from the Parent-Teacher Organization at Robert Frost Elementary School two years ago made everybody’s day.

Would their class like to take over the Santa Mouse Bazaar?

There was no hesitation in Rankin’s reply.

The holiday bazaar started at Eugene Field Elementary School more than 30 years ago to provide inexpensive gifts student could buy for his or her parents.

It has evolved into an all-out crafts bazaar, but Rankin said there are still gifts within a child’s budget as well as a kids section with some fun and games.

Several years ago, Eugene Field’s PTO gave the bazaar’s management over to Robert Frost but the crew involved had dwindled.

Last year, the Rankin’s class held the Santa Mouse Holiday Bazaar at Robert Frost School, but this year it will take place in the commons area of the high school, doubling the room for booths from 40 to 80 – all filled.

“It’s our main fundraiser,” Rankin said.

In addition to the booth rental fees, again this year the class will be selling their attractively wrapped dog biscuits and gift baskets along with tie-dyed doggie bandanas.

Looks like the students can look forward to more of those great field trips, which have included jet boats,
Fido’s Indoor Dog Park and the offices of Spot Magazine, for which the kids have a delivery route created for them by the magazine.