After news broke that our beloved therapy dog Truman would be heading to another school district, students and teachers alike were heartbroken that his wagging tail would no longer walk Beaver Area halls.

But don’t fear because Beaver Area will no longer be deprived of its fair share of tail wagging with a new therapy dog in town.

Get ready to meet Wrigley!

Wrigley is a six year old, English/American, black Labrador Retriever who is a certified therapy dog.

Wrigley’s handler, Mrs. O’Brien, is the Assistant Principal at Dutch Ridge Elementary so that does mean Wrigley will primarily be at Dutch Ridge instead of here.

Just because Wrigley will mostly be at Dutch Ridge doesn’t mean he won’t have visits to the high school. Wrigley’s attendance here will be based on Mrs. O’Brien’s schedule.

This isn’t Mrs. O’Brien’s or Wrigley’s first go around as a handler and working therapy dog.

Mrs. O’Brien partnered with Dr. Kellee Oliver, Beaver Area’s Director of Student Services, to implement a therapy dog program in another district where Wrigley was their first official therapy dog.

Wrigley and Mrs. O’Brien officially got certified in 2019 through the American Kennel Club.

Along with the official certification for therapy dog and handler team, Wrigley has also earned certificates from the AKC: S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, CGCA, and CGCU.

Wrigley also has accomplishments in pheasant hunting, advanced obedience, and

e-collar training.

Therapy dogs can have a positive impact on kids in a stressful school setting. They are trained to help relax and release anxiety. Wrigley can provide comfort with just a simple pet.

In anticipation of his new responsibilities and role, Wrigley said it best: “woof.”