Counselors Jamie Ratcliffe, at left, and Casey Hargis, at right, are trainers for Fern, the facility dog that has ‘joined’ the staff at Heritage Elementary School.
MADISON – Heritage Elementary School’s population is excited to have a four-legged friend as a staff member. Her name is Fern, a facility dog.
Fern arrived on Oct. 21, following “a grant and application process in the making for well over two years. We’re thrilled,” Heritage Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson said. Fern has already been a wonderful addition to the school family. “We’re excited to see the impact she will make.”
Fern has lived with Service Dogs of Alabama, a training program for dogs that various agencies use.
Fern’s training concentrated specifically on school settings. She is the third facility dog in Madison City Schools, joining Daryl at Midtown Elementary School and Barnie (Fife) at Madison Elementary School.
MCS’ facility dog program strives to create a more caring environment, create teachable moments and boost student confidence and wellbeing. The school district appreciates help from Paws for a Purpose, an MCS partner in acquiring facility dogs.
Heritage counselors Casey Hargis and Jamie Ratcliffe are Fern’s handlers and initially proposed a facility dog to Nelson. “Our goals for Fern are to build upon Heritage’s positive environment and facilitate positive social emotional health among our students and staff,” Nelson said.
“Our good friend and coworker, Stefanie Cook, Madison Elementary’s counselor, introduced us to Service Dogs of Alabama,” Hargis said. “Stefanie paved the way for the rest of us in MCS to navigate this process, after she received Barnie as a facility dog. We didn’t meet Fern for the first time until we arrived at Service Dogs of Alabama for training, after notification (for) finally receiving our facility dog.”
A black Labrador Retriever, three-year-old Fern weighs 65 pounds and stands approximately 32 inches tall. “Fern doesn’t get treats. We have to keep her on a strict regimen to avoid an upset stomach while at work in the classrooms,” Ratcliffe said.
Fern eats 1.5 cups of Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat — salmon and potato formula — twice daily. “She loves to chew on Nyla bones when she is off work. She’s a very happy girl and loves wagging her tail,” Hargis said.
“Fern’s job is to love everyone unconditionally. (She) helps to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, process grief and loss, improve social skills and interaction and help reluctant readers improve skills and fluency,” Hargis said.
In addition, Fern increases the overall student and staff morale. “Fern has only been in the building for one week and has already made a difference,” Ratcliffe said. “She’ss a bright spot — not only in our students’ days but our faculty and has put many smiles on faces at Heritage. We cannot wait to see the impact she will continue to make.”
Fern arrives at work daily and leaves with her handler. Hargis is primary handler, and Ratcliffe is secondary.
Fern lives with Hargis, her husband and their two dogs. “She loves being at the Hargis’ house and having dog friends to play with after her work hours,” Ratcliffe said. When Hargis is out of town, Fern stays with Ratcliffe. “The rest of the staff is vying to have Fern when they’re both out of town.”
At school, Fern spends time with counselors, in teacher classrooms and walking with students.
She doesn’t go into the cafeteria for her and students’ safety. “Fern is still very much a dog. We don’t want to tempt her with secret snacks! We also want to continue keeping our cafeteria clean from pet dander,” Hargis said.
For Fern’s funding, Service Dogs of Alabama has partnered with Alabama Department of Education, which covers a portion of expenses. MCS commits to paying a portion.
“The rest of the funding is provided by very generous outside donors that are also partnered with sService Dogs of Alabama. A local veterinarian practice, Animal Health Care Center in Madison, has graciously partnered with us to help take care of Fern,” Ratcliffe said.
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