Liberty North now has a new staff member on their hands. The only difference is that this member has not two legs, but four. Johnny Francis, a one-year-old doberman shepherd mix, joined the counselors of Liberty North on October 17 to help the students and staff alike.

   “Facility dogs offer both mental and physical benefits covering several psychological disorders, including anxiety disorder, autism, PTSD, ADHD, depression, and other emotional challenges. For Johnny to be in the school, he has to accompany a human professional full-time in their day-to-day work,” social worker Breonna Lindsey said.

   Lindsey has recently been approved to be the handler of Francis, tasked to watch him throughout the day. Lindsey isn’t the only person who has lent a helping hand to have a furry friend at our school, as many others have contributed as well.

   “I had done a fundraiser for Warrior’s Best Friend, and the social workers had to do a proposal for the district and get that approved. Then we went through Warrior’s Best Friend, and we had to raise the funds in order to get the dog. The handler at Warriors who does all the training had to work with Johnny for about five to six months,” junior Kate Vulje said. 

   Vuljie is one of the many people who have helped get Johnny Francis to Liberty North. It was her idea to see if the school could use a facility dog.

   “I think just putting a smile on the students and teachers faces is not just school, there will now be a dog at our school, so I think it brings more joy to it,” Vulje said.

Update: At the February 3 Liberty vs. Liberty North basketball game, Kate Vulje and her team held a fundraiser for Warriors Best Friend to raise money. Check out her interview with Millie Perry during the game broadcast.