Photo via Paige Lewandowski Paavo, a standard poodle, poses for the donorschoose.org campaign. Funds were raised to ensure the new therapy dog in training will provide a positive experience for students.

ADAMS TOWNSHIP – Paavo is a mostly white, seven-month-old standard poodle. He is also the school district’s therapy dog in training, serving more than 250 K-12 students in the district.  

Paige Lewandowski, K-12 art teacher, said Paavo has already passed his Canine Good Citizen (AKC) Evaluation and will be taking his Pet Partners evaluation in the spring when he is old enough (over a year old). 

 “While he is a wonderful contribution, he also requires lots of grooming care, feeding, training (treats and positivity), and toys for mental stimulation,” Lewandowski said on a donorschoose.org post. Through the Donors Choose project, Lewandowski is requesting materials related to food, clothing and hygiene for the dog. Donors Choose is among the most trusted classroom funding sites for teachers.  

 “The specific project is to continue the sustainability of the school’s therapy dog program at our school and to provide more tools for Paavo and our students for his care and wellness,” she said, adding that the toys themselves will provide more opportunities for safe interactions and the wellness of the students. 

Paavo has already brought a lot of enrichment to both classrooms he works out of, said Lewandowski. The supplies (clipper guards and blow dryer) will make grooming him every couple of weeks easier. 

The treats will allow for further training and fun interactions. The toys will allow for mental stimulation during down time and safe play with the students. 

Lastly, she said, the boots will allow him to be safe in our long, cold winter months when going from high school to elementary. Having two sizes will give him the ability to grow into the next pair. 

 “We started a Donors Choose Fundraiser to fundraise for some of his needs this fall – grooming supplies, toys, treats, boots, etc,” said Lewandowski. For more information or to donate please visit the link: https://www.donorschoose.org and search for Mrs. Lewandowski of Jeffers Junior/Senior high.