Move over, Rover. There is a new dog in town. Paxton, a black goldendoodle and the newest member of the Veterans Memorial High School counseling team, spent his first two weeks on the job getting to know the campus’ students and teachers.
According to his handler, Sarah Baumgartner, he is already making an impact.
“We have had a few opportunities for Paxton to have one-on-one time with students experiencing elevated emotions or a crisis,” said Baumgartner, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Certified School Counselor at Veterans Memorial High School. “His fur is soft, he is calm and he provides a sensory experience that can ground a student.”
Paxton had to pass a series of obedience and situational tests to qualify as a therapy dog. He is a certified Pet Partners therapy dog and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen. He is also a “good boy” who brings a smile to the face of anyone who sees him.
“Pax means peace,” said Baumgartner. “I gave him his name because I knew his purpose would be to light up someone’s day.”
Baumgartner started her educational career as a middle school teacher. After seeing how important it was to her students to have someone to confide in, she said she found a passion for counseling. Baumgartner went back to school to earn her master’s degree in counseling and interned at Veterans Memorial High School for a year before being hired full-time. After two years on staff, she saw an opportunity to add another beneficial service through Paxton.
“If I have to spend a couple more hours training Paxton, it is worth it because I see how he impacts the students,” said Baumgartner. “That’s why we are in education, to make choices for the betterment of our students and the school.”
Click here to see more photos of Paxton in action!