MEET ADDIE, THE GOLDENDOODLE!
🐾 Meet Our New Friend: Addie the Goldendoodle! 🐾
We’re excited to introduce Addie, a sweet and friendly Goldendoodle who will be joining our school family! Addie is in training to become a certified therapy dog and will be working alongside Mrs. King as part of our support team. While Addie learns and grows in her new role, we all have a part to play in helping her succeed. That’s why we’re launching: ROAR With Addie!!!
Just like our school expectations, when you interact with Addie, remember to Respect Others and Act Responsibly. Follow these four simple steps to safely and kindly enjoy time with our furry friend:
1. Approach
Walk up slowly and calmly, with your body and voice under control—this shows respect. Only two students at a time should pet Addie. If she’s already with two students, wait patiently for your turn. If you see Addie in the hallway, stay in line—leaving your class line to pet her would not be responsible.
2. Ask
Always ask Mrs. King if you may pet Addie before doing so. This keeps both you and Addie safe and shows responsibility. Mrs. King will give you the okay when it’s a good time to say hello.
3. Pet
Addie should be sitting or lying down when you pet her. As you gently pet her, count slowly to 3, then let the next student have a turn. Be kind and respectful—no pulling ears or tail, no fingers or objects in her mouth, and always use a soft voice. Dogs have personal space too, so no hugs, squeezing, or putting your face close to hers.
4. Goodbye
Be mindful that other students are excited to see Addie too. After your turn, say goodbye so others can have a chance. Follow any directions given by Mrs. King to help keep everything running smoothly.
🐶 Other Things to Know About Addie:
- Addie must always be with Mrs. King when she is visiting students and staff.
- Addie must wear a collar or vest and be on a leash whenever she is at school. Sometimes she’ll also wear her special therapy dog scarf!
- Addie must be clean, well-groomed, and healthy to visit our school.
- Always stay calm and use a quiet voice when you are around Addie—loud noises can make her nervous.
- Only feed Addie with Mrs. King’s permission, and only give her the treats Mrs. King brings.
We’re lucky to have Addie with us and can’t wait to see how she brings comfort, joy, and support to our school community. Let’s all do our part to ROAR With Addie and help her on her journey to becoming a certified therapy dog! 🐾
Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy Program
Meet Addie the Goldendoodle!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to introduce a new and supportive addition to our Kit Carson School community—Addie, a friendly Goldendoodle who is training to become a certified therapy dog. Addie is working closely with Mrs. King as part of our Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy Program. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you learn more about Addie’s role at our school and how we’re ensuring her presence is positive and safe for all students and staff.
🐾 Who is the dog at my child’s school?Addie is a Goldendoodle who is currently in training to become a certified therapy dog. She will be on campus with Mrs. King throughout the week as she works toward her certification. When Addie is not at school, she lives with Mrs. King and continues her training through structured socialization and enrichment activities.
🐾 What does Addie do at school?Addie will participate in Animal Assisted Activities such as greeting students, joining calm classroom settings, and being available during select breaks. As she progresses in her training, Addie will work toward Animal Assisted Therapy support, helping students with goals related to emotional regulation, social connections, confidence, and focus. She may also support literacy development as a reading companion dog in the future.
🐾 How will students safely interact with Addie?At Kit Carson, we are teaching students to ROAR With Addie!—a special way to Respect Others and Act Responsibly when around Addie. Students are taught to follow four simple steps when interacting with her:
- Approach – Walk calmly with body and voice under control; no more than two students at a time.
- Ask – Always ask Mrs. King before petting Addie.
- Pet – Gently pet Addie while she is sitting or lying down. Count to 3, then allow the next student to take a turn.
- Goodbye – Be respectful to others waiting and follow Mrs. King’s directions.
Students are reminded to use soft voices, respect Addie’s personal space, and never hug or put their face near Addie’s face.
🐾 What about allergies?Mrs. King works closely with our school health staff and will be aware of any students with allergies or sensitivities. Addie is regularly bathed and groomed to reduce dander, and students are instructed to wash their hands before and after interacting with her. If your child has any allergy concerns, please notify Mrs. King directly.
🐾 What if my child is afraid of dogs?We understand that not all students are comfortable around dogs. Please let Mrs. King know if your child has a fear or aversion to dogs so we can take appropriate steps to ensure your child feels safe and comfortable. Student well-being and safety are always a top priority in this program.
🐾 How is Addie being trained?Addie is undergoing professional training to become both a therapy dog and facility dog. She is learning how to remain calm, respond to commands, and support the emotional and social needs of students in a school setting. Her training is ongoing to ensure she meets the highest standards for safety and behavior.
🐾 Can my child work with Addie?If you believe your child would benefit from time with Addie or would like to learn more about how Addie and Mrs. King are supporting students, please feel free to contact Mrs. King at the school office.
We are so excited to welcome Addie to the Kit Carson School family. We believe her presence will bring joy, comfort, and calm to many of our students as she continues her training journey.
If you do not want your child to interact with Addie please email Mrs. King.