By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
There’s a new staff member at Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School and this one comes on four legs. DTEMS received their first Therapy Dog, a nine month old Black Lab named “Prim” on Monday June 17th at a presentation held at the Tucker County High School gymnasium. “I want to thank everyone for coming today to welcome our new furry friend, Prim, who will be living at our Davis Thomas School,” Davis Thomas Elementary School Principal Cynthia Shaffer said. “We are very excited.”
Prim comes to DTEMS from First Lady Kathy Justice’s Friends With Paws School Therapy Dog Program. When Prim’s placement was announced in February by the Governor’s office, Prim was said to be one of six therapy dogs being placed throughout the state and would be one of 25 that have been placed since the inception of the program in March of 2022, according to the Governor’s Office. “First announced in March 2022, the Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in various CIS schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost,” the Governor’s Office said.
According to Shaffer, she along with DTEMS staff members Amanda Kisamore and Erin Pregley will attend a three day training on how to handle and care for Prim. “My two friends here, Miss Mandy and Miss Erin, we get to go to a training with Prim for three days to learn how to take care of her and her commands.”
Prim, according to Shaffer, will be living with Pregley, but will be at the school during school hours to “work” with the students. While “on the clock” Prim will be wearing a bright red vest and while at home with Miss Erin, she can be just a pup, her trainer said. “Prim will be living with Miss Erin,” Shaffer said. “We want to thank her for volunteering.”
According to Shaffer, Kisamore applied for a service dog through First Lady Kathy Justice’s Friends With Paws School Therapy Dog program. Prim was also sponsored by Dominion Energy, according to Shaffer. “She filled out the application, which was extensive to make sure we take care of the dog,” Shaffer said. “I want to thank Miss Mandy.”
On hand for the presentation on behalf of sponsor Dominion Energy was Legislative Consultant for Dominion Energy Mary Elisabeth (ME) Eckerson. First Lady Justice was unable to attend due to transportation issues, according to Shaffer, but First Lady Justice is anticipated to attend a “Pup Rally” in September.
