Therapy Dog Hudson Making his Mark at Henry Hudson Regional
By Eugene Stewart
HIGHLANDS – Therapy dogs, as defined by the American Kennel Club, are “dogs that go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people.” In 2013, Kathy Noland, a special education teacher at Henry Hudson Regional School, pondered the idea of introducing a therapy dog to her students, and the rest is history.
Hudson, a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and Poodle – Golden Doodle – was selected by Nolan and the Henry Hudson Regional School District administrative staff, including Supervisor of Special Services Thomas Toohey and Henry Hudson Principal Lenore Kingsmore.
Dogtime.com lists Golden Doodles as a designer breed that is a non-to-light-shedding dog (hypoallergenic), very playful, average energy level, very affectionate with family, kids, dogs and strangers, all while being gentle, very intelligent and easy to train, making for an easy selection.
According to Kingsmore, who helped spearhead the program five school-years ago, Hudson, who will be five years old in June, came to the school a result of what Noland envisioned as an assistant, primarily helping her help students with their personal development and anxiety issues.
The school team put together a proposal, presented it to the Board of Education and once accepted, the next move was to secure funding. A grant was submitted which covered the purchasing price of the dog, training, food and veterinarian costs. A short time later, after an intense and very particular selection process, Hudson was introduced to the HHRS staff and student body.
Initially used specifically with special needs students, the acceptance and love received from the students has evolved into Hudson being accessible by all students at the school.
“Hudson helps all of our kids. Whether it’s helping them gain confidence in reading or emotional support, students can go to the room (where Hudson is) and spend time with him, ” explained Kingsmore. A student uncertain of him/herself might sit with Hudson and read to him.
“Hudson also helps to teach life skills – specifically responsibility and empathy – which is significant for all, particularly autistic youth or those with varying levels of disability,” she said. A student may take on the duty of feeding Hudson or just need a hug and conversation. “For our children experiencing difficulty expressing emotions, Hudson is great,” continued Kingsmore. “Hudson has become a big part of the fabric of our school.”
Some of the benefits of a therapy dog for mental health issues are:
· Decrease in stress and anxiety, including that from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
· Decrease in depression, loneliness and feelings of isolation
· Decrease in aggressive behaviors
· Increase in socialization with an outward focus, including opportunities for laughter and a sense of happiness and well-being
· Increase in mental stimulation, attention skills and verbal interactions
· Increase in spirit, self-esteem and feeling of acceptance
Physical health benefits include:
· Reduction in blood pressure and heart rate
· Decrease in cortical (stress hormone)
· increase in hormone associated with health and a feeling of well-being
· Increase in level of fitness
· Improvement in fine motor and other physical skills
“The results of our program and the benefits have been evaluated by the University of Pennsylvania for the animalistic assistance for children,” said Kingsmore, adding that she and her staff have observed many benefits from her students after interaction with Hudson.
Hudson was recently visited by New Jersey Governor Murphy, whom he greeted by “shaking hands.” Hudson also knows and responds to sign language, has learned the physical plant and facility, along with certain names – Kingsmore being one, where he can guide one to specific offices upon command. During active-shooter and lock-down drills, he will even sit silently in the corner of the room until commanded to do otherwise.
Hudson has also received acclaim as an actor, having appeared in dramatic performances at the school, most notably in the role of Sandy in the musical “Annie.”
Monmouth County Freeholders honored HHRS as a District of Distinction, a national award, and Kingsmore was named Principal of the Year in 2016, both in recognition for the work done through the animal therapy program and Hudson.
“Hudson has had a positive influence on many of the young adults at our school,” added Kingsmore, who said the school was visited by administrators from the Monmouth County Vocational District who were weighing the possibility of adopting the program.
For more information about Hudson and the animal therapy program at Henry Hudson Regional School, you can contact Kingsmore at [email protected] or 732-872-0900 x2023.
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