Therapy Dog Tigen Retires from School

[Fam Times reporter Jennylyn Gianan] Tigen, a Labradoodle (a Labrador Retriever–Poodle mix) living in Michigan, USA, has retired after working as a therapy dog at an elementary school.

Tigen was a cherished friend to students and teachers.

Tigen, a 12-year-old chocolate-colored Labradoodle, served as the first therapy dog at Village Oaks Elementary School.

For more than 10 years, Tigen helped calm both students and staff, mentally and physically.

According to second-grade teacher and Tigen's owner Katie Chartow, it was the principal's idea to have a therapy dog at the school.

The principal had previously worked with a therapy dog at another school.

Chartow said, "Tigen knows in advance which classrooms have lessons scheduled and goes to them. While passing by, Tigen also greets every teacher through the gap in the door."

Chartow said Tigen had a positive effect on the mental and physical well-being of students who were having problems or feeling down.

Simply petting and hugging the dog helped the students calm down.

Tigen performed a variety of tricks, delighting both students and staff.

After Tigen retires, the students and staff will miss their "stress reliever."

As Tigen became popular, students sent letters to the newly appointed principal, trying to persuade the principal to hire another therapy dog.

After Tigen retires, they plan to bring in another Labradoodle named "Rockstar" as the school's next therapy dog.

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr