October 21, 2025- Middle School North and Pleasant Grove Elementary will soon welcome facility dogs to their school families.

Gouda, a Black Labrador Retriever, will be part of the team at Middle School North, where she will support students through daily lessons, problem-solving, and reading. Gouda's primary handler will be Ruthie Leeth and her secondary handler will be Chrissy Thomson. Both are school counselors.

Feta, a Yellow Labrador Retriever, will join Pleasant Grove Elementary. 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. Her primary handler will be Anna Katherine Davis and her secondary handler Olivia Belles. Both are school social workers.

Feta and Gouda were trained through the Indiana Canine Assistant Network. Their purchases and training were funded through federal Title IV grants, which support programs that promote student well-being and a positive school climate. They will join our schools at the end of the month.