An almost-3-year-old is making students happy at East High Street Elementary School in Elizabethtown. His big brown eyes have a calming effect. His nonjudgmental air gives kids confidence to be themselves. And don't overlook his thick, soft fur and wagging tail.

Remi, a yellow Labrador retriever, started working as a facility dog at the school last May. He will begin his first full school year there later this month.

Remi works on-site at the school during the week under the guidance of trainer and English language development teacher Nancy Grundhoffer. She's joined by a team of four other staff members, including a guidance counselor and reading intervention specialist, who have all received training through United Disabilities Services (UDS) to get the maximum impact from Remi's presence at the school.

"We do a variety of things with Remi," Grundhoffer shared. "He can help kids who are in full-time learning support just by being with them. He can help kids who need comfort. He can intervene when a child is upset and help de-escalate the situation." Remi also enjoys being read to by students. "He has a calming effect on children," she added. "He's gentle. He's physically beautiful. People gravitate toward him."

Susan Vollmar, secondary trainer, noted that Remi has made a big impact on students. "I have seen what he can do, and it's life-changing and emotional," she said. She recalled a time when Remi helped a child who was transitioning out of a wheelchair into a walker and another time when Remi's low-key attitude helped a student overcome his fear of dogs. Another time, Remi helped teach a grammar lesson in a classroom, depositing nouns, adjectives and adverbs written on cards into the correct bucket as students called them out. "The kids really paid attention to that lesson," Vollmar remarked.

Having a facility dog is expensive, and Remi was funded by the congregation of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown, who collected money specifically to purchase the pup for the school district. Throughout the year, the elementary school will hold various fundraisers to help cover the cost of vet care, food and supplies.

Vollmar noted that Remi is just one of numerous facility dogs placed at schools throughout the county by UDS. "There is a growing need for facility dogs," she said. "Cases of anxiety in schoolchildren are on the rise." A dog can meet a unique need in schools, she explained, adding, "Dogs have a way of reaching humans where other humans cannot."

Before school and on breaks throughout the day, Remi has time to run, play and do all sorts of canine things. "When he's not in his vest, he's just a dog," Grundhoffer said. "When his vest is on, he knows it's time to work."

Vollmar noted that there is a waiting list for facility dogs, but she encouraged anyone who is interested in learning more to contact Lori Breece at lorig@udservices.org or visit https://udservices.org.