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A Force for Good at Somers High School: Vader the Therapy Dog

Image Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

This weekend, the Harrison High School boys varsity football team heads to Somers, New York, for an epic face-off against the Tuskers of Somers High School—a game that is sure to be charged with excitement and school pride. Interestingly enough, even with high-stakes football game merely days away, it’s important to acknowledge that Harrison High School and Somers High School (SHS) are more similar than they are different in many ways, including, but not limited to their shared reputation for excellence, offering outstanding sports programs, extracurricular opportunities for students, and the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. But while the Harrison superfans proudly rally behind their mighty Husky mascot, a symbol of strength and loyalty, Somers boasts a different kind of leader in its ranks. Instead of an in-house elephant, as one might expect from the Tusker name, Somers parades an unexpected champion of compassion and well-being: a certified therapy dog named Vader.

Vader is more than just a furry companion; he is a critical part of Somers High School’s commitment to social and emotional wellness. Like many of his therapy dog counterparts across the country, Vader, a certified therapy dog, offers students a source of comfort, helping to ease stress and anxiety in a way that is uniquely effective to meet and quite possibly exceed the needs of students and the larger learning community (Maricevic, 2022). Additionally, given Vader’s placement in an IB secondary school, his role aligns perfectly with the IB philosophy, which emphasizes developing caring, resilient, and well-rounded individuals (IBO, 2024). 

Defying Preconceived Notions

While Harrison boasts the fierce strength of its Husky mascot, Somers leads the charge with implementing an innovative approach to support the needs of the 21st century high school student—proof that sometimes, the best solution to meet the needs of students does not necessarily need to have bells and whistles, or boast a mighty bark, or possess the ability to trumpet trunks; the solution may just be a simple wagging tail.

As a Labrador-Shepherd mix, Vader defies preconceived notions about which breeds are worthy of therapy dog certification and designation; he is valued more for his ability to offer comfort and support to students who need it most than for his genetic composition. Handled by Brenda O’Shea, the school’s Student Life Coordinator, Vader is a familiar face in the halls. As an inseparable duo on the days he visits, O’Shea believes Vader is aware of his purpose: to lift spirits and provide emotional support to students. “On the days when I have Vader, I am invisible,” O’Shea remarks, emphasizing the connection students feel with Vader, and indirectly, O’Shea. Vader’s influence on campus is more than just a morale boost; it is a therapeutic outlet that has continued to make a difference for the past three years (Somers Central School District, 2024).

The IB DP & MYP Alignment
Vader exemplifies a unique form of student support that aligns with the values of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), in his ability to foster emotional well-being, empathy, and resilience in students. Vader’s impact, highlighted in the article “Therapy Dog Vader is a Force for Good at SHS” showcases the way SHS embraces an innovative approach to promoting social and emotional wellness, directly supporting the IB mission of developing caring, well-rounded individuals.

Vader’s impact is further evident in reports of how he interacts with students, offering comfort and support. Senior Julia Schmidberger fondly recalls, “Vader has been here since my freshman year… The first time he was here, it was so fun to meet him” (Somers Central School District, 2024). Schmidberger’s experience reflects the caring aspect of the IB Learner Profile, as she reports joy and solace in Vader’s companionship (Somers Central School District, 2024). IB learners like Schmidberger are encouraged to be empathetic and supportive, and one can deduce Vader plays a role in modeling these traits by providing emotional comfort to students during challenging times.

In the district’s article, O’Shea continues to underscore Vader’s influence: “If a student is having a tough day, it can be a lot easier to tell a dog what’s going on… If that day is even 2% better for them because they know they are going to see Vader, then we take that as a victory” (Somers Central School District, 2024). O’Shea’s perspective speaks directly to the IB’s whole child approach, which emphasizes not only academic growth but also emotional well-being (Heinonen, 2023). Through O’Shea’s observations, it appears as if Vader’s role in the school helps alleviate stress, making students more balanced and better able to engage in their studies, which is a core goal of the IB programmes.

Vader and the IB Learner Profile
Moreover, based on first-had accounts, Vader’s presence during stressful moments, such as fire drills and lockdowns, highlights his role in promoting resilience among students—a critical trait in the IB Learner Profile (Somers Central School District, 2024). O’Shea notes, “Vader has been here at the school when we have fire and lockdown drills, and he is great. He is a comfort and a distraction for the kids” (Somers Central School District, 2024). O’Shea’s example serves to illuminate Vader’s inclusion in SHS as a reflection of the district’s commitment to emotionally supporting Somers’ students, a commitment that aligns with the IB’s emphasis on self-management skills, particularly in helping students manage stress and maintain focus under pressure.

Vader also plays a significant role in fostering reflection and empathy, qualities that IB students are encouraged to develop as they progress through the MYP and DP years. O’Shea mentions how Vader “does not wander up to any student he does not know” and that “his goal is not to increase anyone’s anxiety,” demonstrating the importance of respecting boundaries and being sensitive to others’ needs—key components of global citizenship in the IB context (Somers Central School District, 2024).

Additionally, Vader’s therapy dog role in easing pre-exam anxiety is yet another way he supports the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills central to the MYP and DP. O’Shea notes, “You want that last connection with the topics to push the serotonin up and the anxiety down. Vader helps that happen” (Somers Central School District, 2024). By reducing students’ stress, Vader presents the theory that his presence enhances the students’ ability to manage emotions and approach academic challenges with a clearer mind.

Vader’s contribution to SHS aligns perfectly with the IB mission and philosophy, which seeks to develop caring, balanced, and reflective individuals who contribute to their communities (IBO, 2024). His impact is a testament to how high schools, whether holding the IB designation or not, can adopt innovative practices to support the whole child, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient—proving that, in education, sometimes the quietest support systems make the loudest impact.

Vader’s Force
Unlike his intimidating Star Wars namesake, Vader demonstrates how a therapy dog enhances the high school learning environment as the learning community maintains the rigorous academic program expectations, like the IB DP and MYP curricula, for students. The smiling faces of the students is a testament to Vader’s ability to ease anxieties and foster a sense of community, warmth and comfort among students and staff alike. It’s clear that Vader’s presence among the SHS learning community is truly a force unto itself: a force motivated by pure intentions and an uncanny ability to love unconditionally, Vader is truly a force for good.

Outside of school, Vader continues to live the “good life,” complete with hiking adventures and weekend fun. Be sure to follow his adventures on Instagram, @dog_vader_shs.

The Silent Echo of a Promise: How Dogs Quietly Shape Our Understanding of Relationships

Image Dr. Jessica MaricevicLeave a comment

Life’s most profound lessons often come from unexpected sources. One such source is the stoic presence of a dog in our lives. Another is a timeless song that speaks to the heart: “The Promise” by the 1980s pop group When in Rome. So what happens when you combine the two, the narrative of one family dog + When in Rome’s The Promise? Through the lens of the human-animal bond and one particular 80s classic, I delve into our family dog Bravo’s steadfast presence and the way in which it helps reveal profound life lessons on unconditional love and loyalty.

When In Rome – The Promise (Official Music Video)

Bravo’s Early Days

Bravo’s story begins far from our doorstep but is forever etched in the chronicles of his Alaskan journey. His early days were marked by a true “it can only happen in New York” debut, highlighting the loving kindness of a local woman who fought tirelessly to keep Bravo, his siblings, and their mother alive. One woman’s compassion and dedication set the stage for Bravo’s miraculous survival and eventual arrival in our lives. That’s why when I read on a local social media page about a little guy with big paws who needed a place to call home, I knew our hearts were big enough to welcome him with open arms.

Those who meet Bravo immediately recognize he is far from an ordinary dog. Bravo is a stunning blend of Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Bernese Mountain Dog, with a splash of Super Mutt. This unique combination gives Bravo a majestic appearance—a regal stance of a German Shepherd, the golden warmth of a retriever, and the gentle giant presence of a Bernese. His soulful eyes, framed by his thick, multi-colored coat, reflect a depth of experience and emotion that words often fail to capture.

Cue “The Promise” by When in Rome

“The Promise” by When in Rome is one of my favorite 80s songs to sing during a round of living room karaoke, in part because it seems to resonate deeply with anyone who loves 80s music, has experienced the transformative power of unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship; oh and loves the 2004 movie Napoleon Dynamite.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

But more importantly, the lyrics of this poppy-80s song speak of unwavering support and the assurance that, no matter what, someone will always be there for you—and that someone might just be a four-legged friend:

“If you need a friend, don’t look to a stranger. You know in the end, I’ll always be there.”

That’s why when I recently heard “The Promise” on the radio, its thematic message reverberated within me. Later that same day, I happened to capture a beautiful image of Bravo’s soulful eyes. Immediately, I put the two together. It was as if the speaker of the song was narrating Bravo’s silent vow to stand by me, stand by our family, through thick and thin.

You see, unlike humans, dogs communicate their loyalty and love through actions rather than words, underscoring the connection of the silent promise that dogs make to their human companions. “The Promise” intertwines melody and lyrics to evoke a person’s universal longing for comfort, reassurance, and security, mirroring the steadfast presence that a loyal dog offers day in and day out.

Bravo’s Unspoken Promise

From the moment Bravo entered our lives to this very moment in which I write this piece, he shared, and continues to share, an unspoken promise to be there for me, for our family in his every action.

“”When you’re in doubt, and when you’re in danger, take a look all around, and I’ll be there.””

Dogs, with their intuitive nature, grasp the very essence of human emotions. They sense when we are happy and join in our joy with wagging tails and playful antics. They also detect our sadness and respond with gentle nudges and soulful eyes that seem to say, “I’m here.” The unspoken promise between humans and dogs parallels the beautifully encapsulated motif in “The Promise.”

Bravo’s presence serves as a reminder of the silent promises that bind us. He stands by us during difficult times, offering comfort without words. His watchful eyes and gentle demeanor provide a sense of security and calm, illustrating that simply being there for those we care about can be just enough to guide one through life’s ups, downs, and in-betweens.

Lessons in Loyalty and Presence

The human-animal bond is unique in its purity and depth. Dogs like Bravo teach us invaluable life lessons through their unwavering loyalty and presence. They show us that love does not always need to be expressed through grand gestures or spoken words. Sometimes, the act of being there is enough, and why the subsequent line from “The Promise” captures the struggle to articulate emotions that are often felt more deeply than words can convey:

“I’m sorry, but I’m just thinking of the right words to say. I know they don’t sound the way I planned them to be.”

Bravo’s presence teaches us that it’s okay to not always have the right words, and that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are communicated through loving looks or silent understandings of respect and empathy. Whether it’s a gentle nuzzle or a wagging tail, Bravo demonstrates that genuine affection and support doesn’t require elaborate expressions. In his quiet, steadfast way, he reminds us that being there for one another, through good times and bad, is the true essence of love and loyalty.

The Human-Animal Bond

Relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, and unconditional love. While the bond between humans and animals transcends ordinary relationships, it shares similarities with human connections. Bravo’s journey with us, marked by the echoes of “The Promise,” highlights the transformative power of the human-animal bond and its positive influence on human relationships.

“I’ll make a promise, I’ll make a stand. I’ll be there to the end of time.”

The above lyrics encapsulate what Bravo does for us every day. His steadfast presence is a promise fulfilled, a constant reminder of the strength of the human-animal bond. Bravo teaches us patience, compassion, the beauty of silent companionship, and how to be steadfastly loyal and protective of those we love the most, with or without audible words. This profound bond with Bravo positively influences our human relationships by demonstrating the importance of being present and attentive.

In observing Bravo’s loyalty and protective instincts, we learn to prioritize the well-being of our loved ones, ensuring that they feel safe and becomes a model for us to emulate in our relationships, whether they be familial, platonic, or romantic. Bravo’s presence, therefore, not only enriches our lives with his love but also enhances our ability to build and maintain meaningful, loving relationships with those around us.

The Power of the Silent Promise

As I reflect on my love for Bravo and play “The Promise” throughout the house, I am reminded of the profound impact the human-animal bond has on one’s overall well-being. The lessons imparted by Bravo and the timeless words of When in Rome demonstrate that life’s greatest joys often come from the simplest acts of being there for one another. Bravo’s role in our family and “The Promise” illustrate how some promises really are forever, even if they aren’t audible to the ears, they are felt with the heart.

So, if you ever find yourself in doubt, look to the silent companionship of a loyal friend, whether they be near or far, have two legs or four, and remember: the greatest promises are kept not in words, but in actions and presence. In the end, these silent promises, these unspoken bonds of love, serve as a powerful testament that the simplest acts of being there, literally or figuratively, for another are what truly make life beautiful.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)