Paws for a Purpose is a project by Madison City Schools to enable schools to host a facility dog to support students. All facility dogs are professionally trained through Service Dogs of Alabama and are considered working animals. The program strives to create a more caring environment, create teachable moments, and boost student confidence and wellbeing.
Fern recently became part of the Madison City Schools family as the facility dog at Heritage Elementary. She joins Barnie at Madison Elementary and Daryl at Midtown Elementary.
The application process for a facility dog takes about 2 years. Once a school is notified of a match, the cost for the facility dog is $1,000. In addition to the upfront cost, the handler (who is required to be a school employee) is responsible for the cost and care of the animal.
"Fern is the most popular girl in school! It has been amazing to see the impact she has made in such a short amount of time already. The kids cannot get out of their cars fast enough in the mornings, with huge smiles on their faces," said Casey Hargis, one of Fern's handlers.
"It has taken Fern no time to adjust to being here at Heritage, she has provided comfort, de-escalation, and as a student said it best: 'I think Fern's super power is to make people happy!' We are so grateful to have her and cannot wait to see the amazing things she will continue to do for our students and community," said Hargis.
The $2000 Community Impact Grant awarded to Madison City Schools by Madison Visionary Partners will help fund facility dogs at more school locations as well as pay for the continued care of the dogs.
You can follow the three Madison City Schools facility dogs on Instagram: