| During 2025, Fidos For Freedom signed formal agreements with Montgomery and Howard County Schools that allow our therapy dogs to visit all public schools as part of their Wellness Program. In addition, Fidos For Freedom therapy dog teams will now be included in their Crisis Intervention Program. This is something we have done in the past on an informal basis. However, now we are included in the front line of crisis intervention.
You may wonder what happens when therapy dog teams are asked to respond to crisis. Therapy dog teams are quickly assembled and respond to the school that has made the request. The teams bring everything that is needed except chairs. The students and staff are encouraged to pet and hug the therapy dogs. Though the handlers may talk if there is a need or desire for conversation, they typically sit quietly and let the dogs do their magic. Recently, therapy dog teams responded to a request from Earle B. Wood Middle School in Montgomery County when an 11-year-old student was hit by a school bus while she was on her bike. Our therapy dog teams provided support after this traumatic incident. The dogs spent an entire day with the students and staff and followed up with another visit the following week. In total, 8 therapy teams were involved during this time of crisis. While any type of tragedy is terrible, it is our hope that bringing in our therapy dogs helps ease some of the pain and heartache that come with it. |