Center Grove Facility Dogs

Center Grove has three facility dogs, Hopper, Gouda, and Feta. These dogs are highly trained by the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). Their purchases and training were funded through federal Title IV grants, which support programs that promote student well-being and a positive school climate. Hopper's veterinary care is generously provided by Dr. Hennessy from Franklin Animal Clinic at no cost to the district.

HOPPER

A black Labrador retriever with a white harness over its nose and a yellow collar sits on a wooden bench with a person in the background.

GOUDA

A golden retriever wearing a green vest looks up from a patterned carpet.

FETA

Meet our Facility Dogs

Hopper (District)

A woman sits in a patterned armchair next to a service dog wearing an %22ICAN%22 vest, with a blurred living room in the background.

Hopper is a Yellow Labrador Retriever. His birthday is March 19, 2022. He is a facility dog, trained by the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). In CG, Hopper lends a helping paw to students of all ages throughout Center Grove Schools. He empowers students with emotional and social learning, offers life lessons, and uses positive social cues such as bumps, bows, secrets, reading flashcards, visits, and hugs.

What kind of training has Hopper had?
Hopper has learned between 60-80 cues through an extensive ICAN training program. His handlers have also gone through six days of in-depth training.

Who are Hopper's handlers?
Hopper is assigned to Christy Berger, who is the district's executive director of student services. Dr. Bill Long, CGCSC's superintendent, serves as a back-up handler for Hopper.

Where does Hopper live?
Hopper lives with Christy.

FOLLOW HOPPER'S ADVENTURES

Gouda (Middle School North)

Gouda is a Black Labrador Retriever. Her birthday is May 24, 2023. Just like Hopper, she is a facility dog, trained by the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). She will be part of the team at Center Grove Middle School North where she will support students through daily lessons, problem-solving, and reading.

Who are Gouda's handlers?
Her primary handler will be Ruthie Leeth, and her secondary handler will be Chrissy Thomson. Both are school counselors.

Where does Feta live?
Gouda lives with Ruthie.

Feta (Pleasant Grove Elementary)

Feta is a Yellow Labrador Retriever. She shares the same birthday as Gouda, May 24, 2023. Just like Hopper and Gouda, she is a facility dog, trained by the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). She is joining Pleasant Grove where she will support students through one-on-one and group lessons, emotional and social learning, reading activities, and act as a reward for positive behavior.

Who are Feta's handlers?
Her primary handler is Anna Katherine Davis and her secondary handler Olivia Belles. Both are school social workers.

Where does Feta live?
Feta lives with Anna Katherine.

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