Teachers Lend a Helping Paw to the Good Dog Foundation

After bringing home her new Goldendoodle, Hattie, Carol Bartlik, felt pangs of guilt about buying a dog, instead of acquiring one through more noble channels, like a pet rescue operation. 

Then she heard about the Good Dog Foundation, a 13-year-old organization that educates the public about the healing possibilities of animal-assisted therapy. The group trains regular dogs to become therapy dogs for children, seniors as well as mentally disabled individuals.

And then she sprang into action.

"I felt guilty that I didn't adopt a rescue dog, and I wanted to do something to help, said Bartlik, a reading specialist at Bedford Village Elementary School.

So she created a fundraiser—a dog parade complete with contests for cutest dog and celebrity look-alike dog—at her school, featuring the hounds, mutts and purebreds of her fellow teachers. Last week, she reprised the event, much to the delight of students and their families.

For a $2 admission fee, kids and parents alike came to watch the faculty and staff march their favorite canines around the pole barn, do tricks and compete for various prizes.

They were also able to participate in a raffle for prizes like a gift certificate from Lucky Paws Grooming and free riding lessons from Summit Farm.

The audience was riveted as they listened to Physical Education teacher, Mr. Joe DiMauro, introduce each pooch and his owner by name and breed and share an interesting story about the dog.

Spectators laughed as he described how Shannon Mahoney, first grade teacher, went to the mall for shoes and came home with her Golden Retriever, Grace. "She fell asleep on my lap, and that was it," said Mahoney of her 11-year-old companion.

Later children got to watch as the dogs showed off for the crowd with their best tricks. Fourth grade teacher Betsy George's dog signed autographs for the students, while Principal Karen Eldon's yellow lab took her newspaper out from its plastic cover.

Finally it was time for the awards to be given and the dog lovers cheered as Mr. Di Mauro's Yorkipoo, Beija, won for cutest dog. Holly, Michelle DeCapua-Lazari's dog was awarded best costume while the celebrity look alike award went to Mrs. Eldon's dog, Cassie for bearing a striking resemblance to Grace Kelly.  Good old Grace the Golden Retriever won best overall dog at the show.

The event raised over $200 for the foundation. Bartlik has participated in their rigorous training with her dog Hattie.  "Owners and their dogs undergo five weeks of basic training, and five weeks of therapy dog training before they become a good dog team and go to visit sites," said Bartlik who has graduated the program with Hattie.

Johnna Bravato, a Bedford Village parent and Good Dog volunteer, attended the Dog show with her dog, Bohdi. "Good Dog is a wonderful organization that provides great services. The seniors, in particular, love it. Visiting with a dog gets them reminiscing about dogs they may have owned years ago."