Classes, homework, after-school activities, and other events can make a student often feel overwhelmed, and with Pennridge High School recently adopting block scheduling, many are taking on extra stress. Luckily, Kebo the dog, and Merlin the bunny are here to help. According to Pennridge High School science teacher, Sharon Fusco, student’s stress levels have decreased when holding, or even seeing, either of the service animals at the school. The service animals at Pennridge act as nonjudgmental and unbiased listeners, which can significantly help reduce stress levels.
Therapy animals can have lasting positive impacts and provide lifelong lessons. “The bunny has a huge effect on the student’s behavior. The caretaker comes out in them. They think about caring for the bunny, so they care for others,” Fusco explained. Merlin is a popular visitor amongst classrooms and even the guidance offices, as he helps destress students who would like a furry friend to calm them down. Fusco added how in the previous school year, at least ten students per day would come up and pet Merlin. Looking at the beloved bunny, she could see their stress levels decreasing by the second.
Kebo, a therapy dog at Pennridge High School, has become a cherished presence among students thanks to his extensive training and gentle demeanor. Jennifer Pennebacker, Kebo’s handler, shared that he underwent rigorous training through the Certified Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the AKC test, along with numerous visits to prepare him for the school environment. As a mixed breed, DNA results indicate he has a beagle, German shepherd, and pitbull ancestry, Kebo was adopted from a shelter, where he was surrendered by his previous owner, who could no longer care for him. Kebo is available to comfort students, particularly those feeling upset or anxious, on Thursdays and Fridays, always under adult supervision to ensure proper interactions. His calming presence has been shown to help students manage their emotions, fostering a positive atmosphere in the school where smiles appear when he enters a room. Pennebacker emphasizes that Kebo is not just a therapy dog; he’s a source of support that can ease fears for those nervous around dogs, illustrating his profound impact on the Pennridge community.
When therapy animals are not helping others, they are just like any family pet: relaxing and being with the family. Merlin tends to stay in the school during weekdays, and over long weekends, he goes home with Fusco and her family. Merlin likes to run around, so when he is home, he gets the Zoomies and runs around the house. Merlin is often brought into the guidance offices to help destress kids dealing with issues who need a furry friend to calm down. However, besides Merlin and our therapy dog, Kebo, no other animals are in the district. Fusco would love to change this as the benefits these two give off to students and teachers. Unlike Kebo, Merlin has not been trained as his breed, Jersey Wooly Rabbit, tends to be generally calm and loving to humans. As both of these loving animals help students and teachers, we would love to see more of our furry friends be introduced into the high school and multiple buildings around the district, as their benefits have destressed everyone around the school!
