The Coshocton County Beacon September 8, 2022 | Page 4

4 • The Beacon September 8 , 2022
Ridgewood students gain furry friend
By Josie Sellers

The Ridgewood Local School

District added a unique staff member this school year . Luna , a 3-year-old female Black Labrador Retriever , is an emotional support animal at the elementary school .
Luna ’ s handler is Autumn Hendershot , who is an intervention specialist .
“ I brought the idea to the administrators , and they fully supported it ,” she said . “ When I did my student teaching through Muskingum , I went to some districts where there were support
animals at buildings . Being able to do that became one of my goals .”
Luna is Hendershot ’ s personal dog . She is responsible for her care , providing her with basic training and got her registered as an emotional support dog through USA Service Dogs . While this is Luna ’ s first official year working at the school , she started coming as a puppy to get used to being around students .
“ She comes to school with me ,” Hendershot said . “ We are out in the morning to say hi to help the students start the day well and out in the hallways at the end of the day to say goodbye . She also goes to classrooms with me .”
Luna ’ s secondary handler is Joanna Seek . She is the district school psychologist and can take Luna to the other buildings to work with the older students .
“ The kids love her ,” said Lori Cabot , the principal at the elementary school . “ We never force her on any child . She is extremely calm . She has never jumped on any kids .”
The students have been taught not to run up to Luna , and when she is in their classroom , they must remain focused , not call out her name and must use quiet voices . She also is always on a leash when out in the hallways .
“ Even those who don ’ t want to pet her at first eventually do ,” Hendershot said .
Luna ’ s job is to provide them with emotional and social support and encourage them .
“ I was working with a little girl earlier today who didn ’ t want to do her math ,” Hendershot said . “ I asked if she wanted to do it with Luna , and she did . Luna is a great
motivator . She lays down and lets them show her their work .”
Before Luna , Superintendent Mike Masloski used to bring his dog in to visit with students .
“ She passed away , and we like to say she sent us Luna to keep this going ,” Hendershot said .
The school counselor plans to have Luna help out with a grief support group , and a special Lunch with Luna rewards system is being set up .
“ We are letting Luna lead where she helps ,” Cabot said . “ So far she has done everything we ’ ve asked of her .”

I was working with a little girl earlier today who didn ’ t want to do her math . I asked if she wanted to do it with Luna , and she did .”

Autumn Hendershot
Hendershot encourages any educator interested in starting an emotional support animal program to do their research , talk to other districts that have one and make sure everyone in the district is on the same page .
“ I really want to thank the administrators for their support ,” Hendershot said . “ When I presented the idea , they could have said no , but they gave me their support and let me carry on with it .”
Luna is pictured sitting in Kelly Beal ’ s third-grade class .
Josie Sellers
Josie Sellers
Luna , a 3-year-old female Black Labrador Retriever , is an emotional support animal at the elementary school in West Lafayette . She is pictured with Superintendent Mike Masloski ; her handler Autumn Hendershot ; Joanna Seek , district school psychologist ; Lori Cabot , the principal at the elementary school ; and school resource officer , Cpl . Jose Hernandez .