Sugar story black labrador2/1/2024 ![]() “As far as the working element, I think there is some element to them being here together, and for Sugar to be an example of what work looks like for a dog,” Swedlund said. It’s just nice to have dogs at school, and it’s a way for me, if I’m down, to help me feel better.” Sugar is Washburn Rural's sweet girl and therapy dog “I usually come in during my lunch period and say hi to him. ![]() “The dogs are really sweet,” said Christopher Paxton, a Washburn Rural senior. “We want it to be a place where people feel good and happy, and even if it’s a small thing, the dogs contribute to this being a positive place to be.” “Students and staff, we spend seven to eight hours of our day, five times a week, here at school, and we want it to be a positive place,” said Swedlund, special education social worker for the school. More: Throughout COVID, these Topeka-area school therapy dogs were a constant And alongside handler Matt Swedlund and mentor facility dog Sugar, the trio are helping make the school environment “just a little sweeter.” Mordecai, known around Washburn Rural as “Mordy,” is a 4-month-old Labrador retriever puppy, but more importantly, a service dog in training. Girls and boys alike stop to fawn over Mordecai’s big dopey smile, exclaiming just a little louder when he licks their faces. He struts down the school hallways, brilliant yellow locks flawlessly gliding through the air. ![]() The crowds of students always part for Mordecai, the most popular student at Washburn Rural High School. Watch Video: See Washburn Rural's newest therapy dog (and puppy) in action
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