Comstock’s Best Friend
Therapy dog brings joy and comfort to students at
Comstock Elementary.
Aggie the dog is like a rock star walk-
ing the halls of Comstock Elementary.
“I can hardly get in the door without
being bombarded,” said her owner, Dr.
Lollie Mensik.
Students yell Aggie’s name and rush
to be close to her. They sneak peeks at
her from inside their classrooms as she
passes by.
“She is so cute, I can’t even stand it,”
one student said.
Aggie isn’t just your typical, lovable
golden retriever mix. She’s a certified
therapy dog trained to provide affection,
comfort and love to everyone she meets.
“All the kids know her,” said School
Counselor Dena Youtt. “They love the
dog and the dog loves them.”
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Aggie visits Comstock for a few hours
each week to bond with students and lis-
ten as they read books aloud. Many are
still learning to read or may be self-con-
scious about their abilities.
“It’s an opportunity for them to feel that
unconditional love from an animal and
practice their reading skills without wor-
rying if someone is judging or critiquing
their reading,” Youtt said.
Aggie also meets regularly with stu-
dents with special needs and any who
may be going through a rough time.
“We’ve seen students with limited
speech become more comfortable
talking,” Youtt said. “Being with Aggie
is just a fun, safe and supportive
atmosphere.”
Students take turns reading to Aggie,
who quietly lies on the floor.
Aggie, a rescued stray, owes her celeb-
rity at Comstock to Mensik, a local vet-
erinarian and Comstock parent. Mensik
recognized Aggie’s potential while treat-
ing her at her clinic and decided to adopt
her. Mensik, who had a therapy dog pre-
viously, connected with the dog’s friendly
and easygoing personality.
“I just knew that we could do good
things together,” Mensik said. “Animals
can do so much for people.”
Mensik approached School Principal
Pam Orr about the possibility of bring-
ing a therapy dog to campus and a part-
nership formed. Mensik brings Aggie to