By: Ana Pichardo and Holly Ford—
Muncie, IN —Muncie Central High School is raising funds to purchase a hypoallergenic therapy dog who will support students academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. The dog will belong to the school and be present during the school day to benefit students. Muncie Central Counselor Sabrina McKnight will be the dog’s primary caretaker. According to Mrs. McKnight, adopting a therapy dog is a proactive approach to meeting students’ needs. Muncie Central’s therapy dog will be available to comfort students dealing with stress, grief, depression, anger, and other emotions. Students will also be able to improve their reading skills by reading to the dog.
If funds are raised by mid-February, Mrs. McKnight said Muncie Central can adopt a puppy from Meadow Park’s current litter of Labradoodles in Fountain City, IN. Adoption and training fees will total $11,000. Mrs. McKnight is looking for funding through grants, fundraisers, and donations.
On Friday, January 6, Meadow Park’s therapy puppies will be at the Muncie Central Girls’ Varsity Basketball game at the Fieldhouse from 6:30 p.m. through halftime. Donations for Muncie Central’s therapy dog can be made during the game, and the Labradoodle puppies will be available to pet. The therapy puppies will also be at the January 14th Boys’ Varsity Basketball game.
Monetary donations for this project should be addressed as follows:
Muncie Central High School
Attn: Sabrina McKnight
801 N Walnut St.
Muncie, IN 47305
Please write “Therapy Dog” in the memo of checks:
The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) serve approximately 6000 students from Muncie and the surrounding area. MCS provides a range of diverse opportunities for children as well as adult basic education. For more information about MCS events, programs or services, please contact Ana Pichardo, Director of Communications at 765-747-5210 or apichardo@muncieschools.org. Follow MCS on Twitter @MuncieSchools and like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/MCS1Official.
