Therapy dogs working in Prince George schools now have an official crest

Therapy dogs working in School District 57 can now proudly wear their own official crest when they are on the job. 

One of the last items on the agenda for the outgoing school board was to approve a crest for certified therapy dogs in the district.

“The intent of this is that when a dog is trained and certified, they will wear this crest over their body and you will be able to identify the dog in the schools,” said school trustee Tony Cable at the Oct. 30 public meeting.

“Yes, it does look like Paw Patrol,” added Cable, noting the blue, red and black colours of the crest.

Paw Patrol is a popular Canadian animated children’s television show about a pack of search and rescue dogs.

The idea for the official crest came after Heritage Elementary School principal Linda Picton, along with certified therapy dog Oliver, gave a presentation on therapy dogs to the education programs and planning committee.

The committee then recommended an official crest be made to provide recognition for the dogs in schools.

“We have a number of dogs in the district in schools. They wear their vest to say, 'Yes, they are approved; they have gone through the training,'” said school trustee Trish Perrin.

“We always smile when we think of the dogs being out there, but they go out and do some pretty important work. They go in and work with the students and staff under some pretty high-stress situations and it’s a wonderful program to see. I am very proud of the district for being as open to accepting the dogs and having them around for the staff and the students.”

She added that having the crest incorporate Paw Patrol colours was “absolutely cool for the young students” even though the therapy dogs are also working in the high schools as well.

The school board unanimously approved the official logo.