As English teacher Meghan Regent and Eric, a husky, walked through the door of their first advanced obedience class, the two had never felt more confident, which lasted until the test actually began. The other students and their partners almost seemed to stare in awe at the two — they were under an illusion that they were top of the class. Though he started the test confidently, Eric did poorly, refusing to obey even simple commands given by a frustrated Regent. It was after that when it was obvious that Eric would need some work to complete his training. The training, that is, to become a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs, contrary to popular belief, are not service animals. While service animals are usually serious animals whose duties include emotional support and assisting the disabled, therapy dogs’ main job is to help people relax. Eric is a five-year-old rescue husky, whose entire job is to make people’s days better. One of these people is his owner, Regent, whose day he improves without fail.

“[We understand each other] as much as a human and a dog can understand each other,” said Regent.

Regent met Eric through the Texas Husky Rescue program, which is an organization that the teacher works with. She first took on Eric as a temporary arrangement to solely see him through his training, but soon fell in love and adopted the then-puppy as her own.

Originally, she was only meant to foster the dog, but ended up falling in love, and brought him into her family. This is a move the rescue organization allows. It was obvious from their very first moment together that Eric was a people’s pooch.

“He’s such a cool dog, and I knew he would be a good therapy dog,” said Regent.

As a therapy dog — at least in training — Eric gets to wear a simple blue vest to distinguish him from other dogs. This, in combination with his playful grin and striking blue eyes, makes Eric immediately recognizable both as a therapy dog and as a friend. Once the husky finishes his training, Regent hopes to station him in the counselor’s office where he can help relieve stress and Keegan Douglas-Davis
boost mood and morale.

Eric comes to school on Mondays, where he spends most of his time inside Regent’s classroom, occupying himself with a few toys and bones. He frequently walks around the room, greeting students and seeing what they’re doing. However, whenever Regent commands it, Eric returns to her side happily. Ever since he began coming to school, the husky’s bright smile has beamed through the hallways whenever he’s here.

To become a certified therapy dog requires a strict training course over the span of a few months. While most of the the tests consist of skills like being able to walk on a leash and listening to the owner, some dogs-in-training still find the tests difficult.

Regent and Eric attend training courses on the weekends, where they practice everything from following commands to people skills.

When Regent walked into their first advanced obedience test with Eric by her side, she felt ready to go.

“I had bragged about how advanced he was,” Regent said. “I said he was really great and [prepared].”

Eric was demoted to basic training for not listening to Regent’s commands, but she remains hopeful that Eric can become a fully licensed therapy dog soon.

A major part of completing therapy dog training is being able to behave in stressful or crowded environments, such as hospitals or nursing homes. Or, in Eric’s present case, schools. Over the past few weeks, every Monday Eric’s perky ears have been spotted playing around in the W-Hall. One student in particular has had a very positive relationship with Eric.

“He’s been making me happier,” senior Jessica Obordo said. “He’s certified to make you feel good.”

Not only does Obordo like Eric, the two are basically best friends. At points during class, Eric must be taken from the room due to the allergies of a student. He goes with Obordo to the library, where they practice Eric’s obedience skills.

“He doesn’t even need a leash,” Obordo said.

As a therapy dog-in-training, it is vital for Eric to maintain strong relationships with people. In Obordo’s case, she’s been tasked with taking Eric out to use the restroom every day, but she’s never had a problem with the dog’s obedience.

“He has this spot, a sign right outside the cafeteria,” said Obordo. “I don’t even have to go out there with him, he just goes right there and right back.”

While there is little doubt that Eric is an obedient and trustworthy friend, concerns have arisen about him being a distraction. Obordo however, disagrees with the concern.

“People in our class get more happy, and we pay more attention [with Eric present],” Obordo said.

Since mid-September, a blend of rigorous obedience training and a positive training environment has allowed him to remain a stable character in Regent’s class without causing any major disruptions or distractions.

“It’s nice knowing Eric makes everyone’s day just so much better,” Regent said. “Everyone looks forward to Mondays when he’s here.”