Christmas came early for students and staff at Buffalo Elementary! On Monday, December 9, 2024, Buffalo Elementary welcomed First Lady Cathy Justice and several other distinguished guests for a PUP RALLY. Through the Friends With Paws program, this spirited assembly was held to celebrate the arrival of Bo, the state’s newest and Putnam County Schools’ first therapy dog.
Bo is a ten-month-old Golden Retriever ready to help serve and support his new friends and family at Buffalo Elementary. Currently, 44 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed throughout the state.
The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, the West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education.
"Welcoming Bo to Buffalo Elementary School is another exciting step toward completing our vision for the Friends With Paws program," First Lady Justice said. "These incredible therapy dogs have already touched the lives of so many students and staff across West Virginia, providing comfort, support, and joy in our schools. With Bo's arrival, we are reminded of the power of kindness and the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. It's bittersweet to see this program nearing completion and heartwarming to witness its lasting impact in communities like Buffalo."
The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several CIS schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students needing a boost.
"Putnam County Schools and Buffalo Elementary are thrilled to welcome Bo to Buffalo Elementary School as part of the Friends with Paws initiative through Communities in Schools," Putnam County Schools Superintendent John Husdon said. This program is a testament to our commitment to supporting the whole child, addressing not just academic needs but also emotional and social well-being. Bo will play a vital role in creating a nurturing and supportive environment, helping students manage stress, build confidence, and feel more connected at school. We are excited to see Bo's positive impact on our students, staff, and school community.”
Therapy dogs are specially trained to comfort and support people in tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Friends With Paws therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
"We are so excited to have Bo on staff," Principal Tonya Casto at Buffalo Elementary said. "We know without a doubt having Bo at Buffalo Elementary will help our students feel more relaxed, improve their focus, and create a positive, supportive learning environment. We appreciate First Lady Cathy Justice's Friends With Paws initiative and are honored to have been selected and entrusted with such a meaningful resource!"
In addition to students, staff, and school leadership, representatives from Communities In Schools and Toyota Motor Manufacturing WV were in attendance. Toyota is exploring ways to support Bo, further advancing Buffalo Elementary’s mission to thrive through the transformative impact of the Friends With Paws program.
“The Communities In Schools program, Friends With Paws, is an excellent addition to the already wonderful program that supports our children in WV,” Senior Engineering Manager at Toyota and Communities In Schools Advisory Council member Dr. Kevin Fields said. “These dogs are like guardian angels who are friends to all. They provide light and comfort amidst the darkness. Light is needed for all things to grow. May Bo be a beacon of light and hope for the children of Buffalo Elementary.”
More information about Friends With Paws can be found on the Communities In Schools website or the Communities In Schools: Friends With Paws, a documentary produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.