When Facility Dog Melvin walks into Andrea’s classroom each morning, the atmosphere instantly shifts. Students and staff alike light up at the sight of him, eager for their daily dose of “Melvin time.”
“Melvin brings a sense of joy to the classroom; he lightens the mood,” said Andrea, a special education teacher and Melvin’s handler. “The kids are happy to see him which makes them more comfortable, and that helps them access their learning.”
Students of all ages appreciate Melvin’s skills that help them feel grounded
From middle schoolers to high school students, Melvin has a unique ability to put young people at ease. Andrea has noticed that even students who are normally guarded let down their walls around him.
As Andrea says,
“They speak in cute voices to him, and they don’t seem to be concerned how they are viewed by their peers.”
The staff feels the same way. “Several staff members are so happy to see him walk in the door every morning before students arrive. They get their ‘Melvin time’ before the bell rings or on passing periods or at lunch time.”
For Andrea, Melvin is not just a calming presence but also a motivator and a bridge to learning.
“Melvin helps motivate by calming students down and creating a comfortable space,” she said. “When they are calm and comfortable, they can access their learning.”
That impact is perhaps most powerful during moments of stress. Andrea recalled a recent example: “Melvin worked with a student last week who was having a hard time with anxiety. She was struggling to be in class during a science lab. She came to my classroom and got some Melvin time to calm down and then return to class.”
Melvin also helps engage students who may otherwise be reluctant to participate. His joy and unconditional welcome open doors where traditional methods sometimes fall short. “The kids love him, and they are more willing to engage with him sometimes than adults or their peers,” Andrea said. “So, he is able to connect with students more easily than adults at times.”
The ripple effect of Melvin’s presence goes beyond individual students.
“Something I noticed when Melvin came to my classroom last year was that the kids were nicer to each other after he arrived,” Andrea shared.
Students bond over their shared affection for him, often discovering new common ground with classmates they may not have connected with before.
Staff members have also experienced the benefits. “I am surprised at how much the adults have taken to Melvin,” Andrea admitted. “I have had teachers come in at lunch for time with Melvin, either to say hello or get some love if they are having a bad day.”
Even small, everyday moments with Melvin have an outsized impact. “Melvin gets super excited to see people at the beginning of the day and he looks like he is dancing when he greets people,” Andrea said.
“The students and the teachers get really excited that he is so excited and happy to see them.”
Looking ahead, Andrea hopes Melvin’s role will only continue to grow. “My hope is that Melvin will continue to support students and that students will get more comfortable with him and rely on him even more as a trusted and reliable member of our school community.”
In just a short time, Melvin has become a significant source of comfort, connection, and joy for everyone around him.
As Andrea put it, “He has completely changed our school atmosphere for the better.”
Would you or someone you care about benefit from a Hearing Assistance Dog? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/hearing-dogs to learn more about their work, and apply.
