Our Therapy Dog Gus

Gus will be on a leash at all times unless he is in the office. Gus will also be wearing his therapy dog vest when he is working.

Can I run up to Gus?
● No, do not run towards Gus-he’ll think it’s play time and he can play rough!
● Walk over to him calmly.
● Introduce yourself to Gus by putting your palm of your hand out for him to greet you first.
● No more than 3 people at a time.
● Gus knows his commands- sit, shake, stay, lay down.

Can I get out of line to say “hi” to Gus?
● No, do not get out of line to run up to Gus.
● Your teachers are in charge in the hallways.
● It may be exciting to see Gus coming down the hall, but you have to behave in the halls as you always should.

Can I pet Gus?
● Always ask Gus’s handler for permission before petting him. (“Can I pet Gus?” or “May I please pet him?”)
● Respect his personal space. Hold out the palm of your hand and let him come to you to sniff your hand. After he’s sniffed you, you may gently pet his chest, under his chin, and his back. Do not go straight for his head right away but he does like behind his ears scratched!
● Never pull or grab at his ears, feet, face, or tail.
● Overall, be calm and gentle.  Gus will stay calm if you stay calm.
● Keep your visit short so others may also say “Hi”.
● Gus loves to give kisses-but he can’t do that when he’s working.

Can I give Gus a treat?
● No, do not feed Gus anything.
● Gus only eats at his home and cannot have food or treats at school while he is working unless supervised in the office as part of a special reward.
● We must respect this rule to help keep Gus healthy and safe.

Thank you for your wonderful comments and feedback. We are grateful for this opportunity to foster this program and to continue to help our students! Thank you for your support!