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Maggie the Comfort Dog Spreads Serenity At Bronxville School

BRONXVILLE, N.Y. -- It’s hard to imagine a group of wiggly five- and six-year-olds paying attention for more than a few minutes, but these Bronxville students were so enthralled with a recent visitor that they sat quietly, asked questions, and even remarked about how peaceful they felt.

Kindergartners and first-graders at The Chapel School in Bronxville meet Maggie the Comfort Dog and her handler.

Kindergartners and first-graders at The Chapel School in Bronxville meet Maggie the Comfort Dog and her handler.

Photo Credit: The Chapel School/Facebook
Maggie the Comfort Dog serenely accept a few caresses from students at The Chapel School in Bronxville.

Maggie the Comfort Dog serenely accept a few caresses from students at The Chapel School in Bronxville.

Photo Credit: The Chapel School/Facebook

Maggie the Comfort Dog has that kind of effect on people … even little ones.

The therapy dog, a golden retriever from Newtown, Conn., is trained to interact with her two-footed friends at schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, disaster situations, and other places where people are in need of her calming presence, say her handlers.

On Friday, Dec. 18, Maggie came to The Chapel School where she serenely accepted pats and caresses from the children as her handlers answered their questions about the role of comfort dogs.

When the handler told students that Maggie was going to turn four in January, they reacted with birthday wishes and offered their own ages.

“Arf arf! That means Happy Birthday, Maggie,” one exclaimed. "I'm five years old," another said.

During a question and answer period, one asked the handler why Maggie was wearing a blue vest.

They were fascinated to learn that like them, Maggie wears a uniform because, the handler told them, “she knows she is at work when she wears her vest.”

Students and staff also were impressed with how still and serene Maggie remained throughout the school day.

“She is so peaceful!,” said one student.

“I love when Maggie comes to visit!,” another added.

For more information about The Chapel School, call (914) 337-3202, or visit its website by clicking here.

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