Hes just my best friend

“He’s just my best friend”

Mr. Anastasia, a science teacher at Fossil Ridge High School, believes that “everyone needs a therapy dog, at least a little bit.” When his wife brought home a schnauzer, he was disappointed. He had wanted a dog that he could run with, take cross-country skiing, not one who weighed only sixteen pounds as an adult. However, the little dog proved to be the perfect companion for Anastasia, able to run two or three hours at a time and always up for a new challenge. Now, that same dog can be seen walking around Fossil’s hallways with a bandanna reading “Therapy Dog”.

The name Turbo was born because the puppy had a white stripe down his back, and it reminded his new owners of a racing stripe. From the moment Turbo entered the Anastasia household, people fell in love with him. Mr. Anastasia thought it was unfair of him to hog his new pet, and it was already clear that Turbo was smart and good at lifting other people up. He decided to train a service dog who could be brought to school.

Olivia Doro pets Turbo as he walks around with Mr. Anastasia.
Olivia Doro pets Turbo as he walks around with Mr. Anastasia. Photo Credit: Isabella Mahal

There are four levels of training that a dog must pass in order to become a registered therapy dog. To be in a school, the dog must have passed at least level three. Turbo tested straight into level three, and he also quickly passed his health check and behavioral test. It only took eight weeks of training through Human Animal Bonding Colorado for him to be allowed into Fossil.

Mr. Allen was very open and excited about the idea of having a therapy dog at Fossil. Currently, Turbo works with students who have been recommended by the school social worker, Jasmine Zugarramurdi. These students learn about responsibility, problem solving, and patience by working with the dog. They might give him a command that he doesn’t understand, so the student must develop a way to teach it. Turbo can do about thirty commands, but he is always learning more.

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Dogs are also scientifically proven to reduce stress and help people gain sociability. When working with an animal, people have to be less selfish, and think of the animal as well as themselves. Throughout training Turbo, Mr. Anastasia has said, “This dog can’t do that!” many times. However, he firmly believes that his dog has always proved him wrong and is inspired by him everyday. If you see Turbo walking around the halls, give him a pat on the back. Just remember to ask first.

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