The first group of facility therapy dogs donated by United Way of Eastern La Salle County to the Ottawa Elementary and Marseilles Elementary school districts have graduated.

After an 18-month program, they successfully completed their final test and are certified facility therapy dogs.

The dogs and their handlers include Lincoln Elementary School’s Lincoln (co-handlers Jaymee Barbardo and Callie Fusch), Central Intermediate School’s Poppy (handler Heidi Quick), Jefferson Elementary School’s Murphy (co-handlers Alecia Ruiz and Nate Pinter) and Marseilles Elementary School’s Sunni (handler Ali Clark).

All four pups passed their final test – Canine Good Citizenship Advanced – with flying colors Jan. 31. Under the guidance of Annette Monge, owner of Teacherzpetz Training and Boarding, and the ongoing support of United Way of ELC, they officially graduated as facility therapy dogs.

The journey has just begun for these pups. They will provide support to all students and staff throughout their school buildings.