On October 24th of this year, Somerset Berkley Regional High School’s school committee granted math teacher and content coordinator Mr. Laurence’s request to welcome his dog, Griffey, as the school’s official therapy dog. Griffey has become a permanent part of Mr. Laurence’s math classes, sleeping at his owner’s feet as he instructs  and occasionally venturing around the room to greet students. When Mr. Laurence has prep periods, Griffey tours the school and visits students and staff all around the building. He even walks the track with PE students as they participate in warm-ups. 

Griffey’s journey of becoming a therapy dog began last school year at Eric Letendre’s dog training school in Westport, Massachusetts. It was there that Griffey performed so well that Mr. Laurence was convinced to enroll his dog in the Canine Good Citizen program, which eventually resulted in his therapy dog certification being finalized in August of 2023. Mr. Laurence then joined the Alliance Therapy Dog Group, which gave his dog access to visiting schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Once Griffey had experience and was completely ready for it, he began to visit Somerset Berkley Regional High School and became the school’s official therapy dog last month. 

Mr. Laurence lets The Breeze know that students who wish to visit with Griffey can do so “when I’m wandering the halls” or  “as a reward for good behavior.  They can visit him in 318 between classes and at any of the school events where he is present.” So far, Griffey has been present at football, soccer, and field hockey games. He is expected to be at Open House later this month and a variety of other upcoming school events, including shadow days for next year’s incoming freshmen.

The Somerset Berkley community is grateful to welcome Griffey’s presence in the school. Staff and students who wish to follow Griffey’s journey at SBRHS can follow him on his official Instagram page (@Griffey_the_Golden_SBRHS).