Goodyear Elementary School Celebrates Therapy Dog Month with a Mayor’s Proclamation, Introduces April Character Trait

WOBURN — Goodyear Elementary School is pleased to announce a year-long initiative celebrating the positive impact of therapy dogs on students and the broader community.

The ongoing effort culminated on March 28, when Mayor Mike Concannon visited Goodyear Elementary School and presented an official proclamation declaring March as Therapy Dog Month in Woburn. 

The idea for this initiative started with students Zineb Khouti and Lisa Mauger, who wrote a letter to school administrators explaining how they believed therapy dogs could benefit their school community. 

That letter made it into the hands of Kelly Calkins, Goodyear’s Adjustment Counselor, who took the students’ suggestion to heart and brought it to life. Working with the school administration, Calkins reached out to Paul McCaffery, a dedicated therapy dog handler, who eagerly brought his dark chocolate Labrador Retriever, Lily, to Goodyear.

Lily, a certified therapy dog with the American Kennel Club’s Therapy Dog Title, has visited Goodyear Elementary School eight times this year, offering comfort and joy to students. Known for her calming presence and favorite toy, Goodyear the Lion, Lily and McCaffery work in a variety of settings, including schools, medical facilities, libraries and prisons.

Over time, the initiative has grown into a collaborative effort of local officials, educational institutions and organizations, including Mayor Concannon, the American Therapy Dog Association, Harvard University and Northeastern University, whose support helped in the success of the proclamation ceremony. 

On the morning of the ceremony, students started their morning with a warm welcome from three therapy dogs and received trading cards featuring each animal. In addition to Lily and McCaffery, Steve Fumicello and his therapy dog, Sasha, a PTSD Service Dog at Harvard University, and Rachel Jolliffe and Cooper, a community resource dog specializing in emotional support and search and rescue at Northeastern University, visited Goodyear. Together, these dedicated teams highlight the powerful role of therapy dogs in providing emotional support and enhancing the community’s well-being. 

During the ceremony, Mayor Concannon presented the official proclamation for Therapy Dog Month, recognizing the collective effort of all involved partners. Special thanks were given to Dr. Crowley and School Committee Member Michael Mulrennan for their support and attendance at the event. 

The ceremony also celebrated Goodyear’s March Courage Charter Trait winners and introduced diligence as the focus for April.

The special presentation of diligence was made by two special Goodyear community members, Nora and Emma Oliver. Emma, a Grade 2 student, and her mother, Nora, were recognized for their dedication to the trait of diligence. 

As co-authors of two children’s books – “Emma and Mommy Magical Hearts” and “Luna’s Journey to Find Herself” – the Olivers exemplify hard work, determination, and perseverance. Their books explore themes of confidence and adventure, perfectly aligning with Goodyear’s district values, including striving for excellence, taking risks, and learning from challenges. Their dedication and commitment make them excellent role models for this important character trait. 

“The event was a heartwarming celebration of therapy dogs’ contributions to schools, hospitals, and communities, as well as the role of character education in students’ development,” said Principal Meghan Patrissi. “Goodyear Elementary School is grateful for the positive influence of therapy dogs and looks forward to expanding this initiative to continue enhancing the well-being and emotional resilience of its students.”