North Shore Middle School Welcomes Walty, the Therapy Dog!
Beginning the “Therapy Dog Fridays” Initiative at NS Middle School
“Today we welcomed Walty, a local 4-legged resident, to our middle school to
kick-off our Therapy Dog Inaugural Day ribbon cutting ceremony.”
- Assistant Principal Dr. Maram Mabrouk
On Friday, December 8, 2023, students from the North Shore Middle School Animal Rights Club were very excited to be some of the first visitors to meet Walty, the therapy dog, at the Therapy Dog Inaugural Day ceremony. Dr. Mabrouk said, “I’d like to especially thank Dr. Kitay for spearheading this wellness initiative, Superintendent Dr. Chris Zublionis for his support and guidance throughout the whole process, the North Shore PTSO board for approving and funding this project, and the Board of Trustees for their continued support and final approval.” Superintendent Dr. Chris Zublionis, Board President, Dr. Andrea Macari, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Dr. Carol Ann Smyth, and Principal Dr. Ryan O’Hara were all in attendance to share in this special wellness initiative ceremony.
The North Shore Middle School “Therapy Dog Initiative” takes place every Friday from 10 am to 11 am. Dr. Mabrouk stated, “We have been informally calling it ‘Therapy Dog Fridays.’ Teachers and counselors can sign their students/classes up for visits during third or fourth period. There is an opt-out permission slip for any student who is concerned about allergies or would prefer not to meet with the dog.”
Members of North Shore Middle School were introduced to Walty through their partnership with Therapy Dogs of Long Island, a nonprofit organization whose mission includes “using the special connection that exists between dogs and humans as a therapeutic modality. A treatment for both physical and mental conditions in those who would love the company of a dog. To alleviate some pain and suffering to both children and adults by bringing joy, happiness, and a feeling of unconditional love and healing.”
Walty is a locally trained and certified therapy dog from a local North Shore family. When visiting North Shore Middle School, he spends time in the Wellness Center for small group visits during third period and in room S214 during fourth period for larger classroom visits.
Dr. Mabrouk concluded by saying, “I would also like to especially thank Ms. Vestuto and her Animal Rights Club for researching and presenting their findings on the value therapy dogs provide to students and schools with an additional thank you to Anne Kelly for her work on the presentation.”
Please join us in welcoming Walty to North Shore Middle School! Thank you to all those who researched, funded, and supported this wonderful wellness initiative. Fridays at the middle school just got even better!
Article written with assistance by MS Assistant Principal, Dr. Maram Mabrouk
Photos by Dr. Mabrouk and Dr. Andrea Macari