This school year has introduced a new member to Sterling High School. Scone is a four-year old standard poodle and has a low shed. He is a professional therapy dog that ninth grade counselor Cami Hartman brings to the school every day.
Hartman and Scone were previously at Jefferson Elementary School but decided to move to S.H.S. this year.
Scone has brought many students and staff joy and excitement. When needing a break, Scone provides a quiet and cute distraction.
“Students love him! He received lots of pets on his head and belly rubs throughout the day. Most students and staff can’t look at him without smiling.” Hartman said.
He is the first therapy dog in the school district. Although Hartman mainly works with ninth graders, everyone can have the opportunity to meet Scone. You can find him walking throughout the hallways but keep in mind they might be in a rush so make sure to only go up to them when the time is appropriate and always ask before interacting with him.
Another place you may see Scone and Hartman is at school events. Scone started training in October 2020 in a prison by a company called CARES, inc. in the state of Kansas. That was where he learned the basic sitting, laying down, etc. He was then placed in a foster home so he could get used to public settings.
Scone received intense training from the age of eight weeks until Hartman received him at 15 months old. Hartmen said, “We continue to train every day.” Scone has passed the public access test and met all the standards to be a professional therapy dog.
“Scone is a valuable member of the S.H.S. Staff and has filled a needed role at S.H.S.” according to Sterling High School principal Jason Austin.
Scone has had a big impact on many students’ lives and is an amazing addition to SHS. “Just seeing Scone during my passing periods makes my day 10 times better. He’s very welcoming and I love petting his belly,” said junior Presley Winters.
If you ever need a break or a distraction Scone is a great helper for that.
