Over the past year, students at John S. Hobart Elementary School and William Floyd Elementary School have enjoyed visits from Kopa, a three-year-old golden retriever and certified therapy dog. Kopa is owned by school psychologists Joshua Zelin (Hobart) and Lorie Zelin (WFE).
The American Kennel Club (AKC) defines therapy dogs as those that accompany their owner to volunteer in various settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, assisted living facilities, shelters, and courtrooms.
“Whether they’re working with a child who is learning to read, visiting a patient in a hospital or a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people,” according to the AKC. “A therapy dog can provide a valuable sense of reassurance, joy or calmness to people…”
Kopa completed his basic and advanced training, pet therapy certifications, and passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen training program. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zelin are certified handlers through Therapy Dogs of Long Island.
While Kopa is a certified therapy dog, students are not receiving therapy but interacting with him in an educational manner.
In 2023, Kopa joined the William Floyd school community in a pilot project at Hobart and WFE and participated in the 2023 and 2024 Special Education K-12 summer programs.
The pilot was successful enough for Kopa to return to both schools for another year.
Kopa has become well-known at both schools for making regular appearances throughout the school year. He provides comfort and happiness to students, helps alleviate general school-based anxiety, assists them with practicing reading, writing, communication skills by being a non-judgmental listener, and supports general social and emotional learning.
According to Mr. Zelin, Kopa also helps students with their emotions and serves as a teaching tool for empathy and compassion. His presence helps relieve anxiety and brings joy to those he interacts with.
Additionally, teachers have used Kopa as an incentive for improvement both behaviorally and academically.
Kopa has become an integral part of both schools' communities. He has helped students become familiar with their school psychologists if they ever need support. Mr. and Mrs. Zelin’s beloved Kopa has made a positive impact on the Hobart and WFE school communities.