Sunny the Facility Dog made his debut at BBC during the 2023-2024 school year as a 10-week old puppy. He has grown alongside our students and, this year, will become a fully certified School Facility Dog through his 14-month long training program with Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI).
While Sunny's official title is "Facility Dog," he is trained to do everything a therapy dog does - and more. Sunny has been trained in public access commands that are typically taught to service dogs. He also knows therapeutic pressure techniques that allow for him to help people in need of comfort. Benefits for children working with therapy dogs (or a Facility Dog like Sunny) include lowering stress levels, helping children to feel grounded when upset or anxious, increasing empathy and compassion, improved attendance and motivation, increased language skills, overall improved mood, and so much more!
BBC has an extensive risk mitigation plan in place for students who may present with dog allergies. Sunny is bathed on a frequent basis with a prescription shampoo and also sprayed with an anti-dander solution prior to coming to school. Frequent brushing and haircuts also help reduce the amount of hair left behind after his visits. All parents must sign off on allowing their child to have contact with Sunny at the beginning of the school year.
Sunny is used in various capacities during his time in school, including but not limited to:
☀ Weekly time in classes
☀ As part of social emotional curriculum
☀ As a community building school member
☀ As a reward/incentive for good behavior
☀ As a therapy resource
☀ As a calm down tool
New during the 2024-2025 school year, BBC will introduce the BBC Sunny Book Series that will feature stories written about Sunny that deal with SEL topics that teachers can share with students in their classrooms.
Sunny is a one-year old English Golden Retriever who loves being at school and getting pet, hugged, and loved by his friends. When at home Sunny enjoys playing fetch, cuddling with his favorite stuffie named "Puppy," and running around in his backyard. You can follow Sunny on Instagram @SunnytheBBCdog.