Board approves therapy dog "Cody" for Mishawaka High School

The School City of Mishawaka Board of School Trustees approved adding a therapy dog, Cody, to Mishawaka High School at its Oct. 8 meeting.

Assistant Principal Brian Scoggin introduced Cody, described as an 8-year-old boxer-beagle mix trained through Katie's Canine in Paw Paw, Michigan, and on track to be fully certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs by year-end. District staff said the therapy-dog program places certified animals in school buildings to provide emotional support and promote a positive school climate.

Board members moved and approved the addition of Cody to the therapy-dog program; the motion carried without recorded opposition.

The district currently has four therapy dogs in five buildings and staff said the new addition will be used at the high school under the handler's supervision and consistent with program protocols.