Fairview students find canine company with Stryker, district's 3rd therapy dog

Things have gotten a lot more paws-itive at Fairview Elementary School in Indiana Township.

And it’s all because of Stryker, the newest therapy dog serving the Fox Chapel Area School District.

The 1-year-old mixed breed motivates students to be on their best behavior. At the school store, students can exchange the points they earn for quality time with the pup.

His arrival always causes a jubilant commotion among faculty, staff and students.

“Stryker makes me happy and he’s unique. There’s not a lot of schools all across Pennsylvania that have dogs,” said third grader Graham Readal of O’Hara.

Graham said when he first spotted Stryker in the hallway, he experienced a “what the heck is that?” moment.

“It’s really special to have him in our school,” he said.

Stefanie Lipke, Fairview’s counseling department chairperson, serves as Stryker’s owner and is responsible for his care on campus.

She self-funded Stryker’s school post, and his presence comes at no cost to the district.

His certification training as a therapy dog lasted about 10 weeks.

Stryker officially began his duties Aug. 22 at Fairview after test visits in May.

He serves Fairview exclusively and visits campus several days per week.

A patch on his vibrant, monogrammed vest encourages “pets” from everyone he meets.

His duties include serving as a greeter in morning as students arrive, as a class reward, for “pawties” (an incentive in the schoolwide positive reward program) and for one-on-one and small-group sessions.

“He’s kinda on-call,” Lipke said.

Stryker is the third therapy dog for the district, joining Avenger at Dorseyville Middle School, handled by Principal Jon Nauhaus, and Remy at Fox Chapel Area High School, handled by high school counselor John Baxter.

Remy has been in service for eight years ago and went full time last year at the school.

“Remy has a large number of regular visitors and is always gaining new visitors daily,” Baxter said. “Both kids and staff stop in to sit and pet Remy to help them destress or relax. His gentle soul helps bring many smiles to the faces of his visitors.”

Avenger joined Dorseyville Middle School last year and spends the majority of his time in the main office, where students and staff can stop by for a quick visit to decompress or relax.

“Avenger also visits with specific students at Hartwood Elementary and occassionally even attends meetings where he helps to calm what could be a bit of stressful environment,” Nauhaus said. “Avenger has increased student and staff morale and has proven himself to be a wonderful outlet for anyone in need of his services.”

Stryker has no shortage of fans at school.

“The kids talk about him, and they really think he’s great,” said fourth grader Lily Lane of Indiana Township.

Lily, who still is mourning the death of her family dog in September, said she loves to spend time with Stryker at school.

“I came to school sad after losing my dog, and Stryker was there,” Lily said.

Added Lipke: “Stryker was a comforting support during that time. At this point, she’s doing much better and shared with me that she has a new puppy.”

Lipke said Stryker’s contributions as a therapy dog are immeasurable.

“I tell the kids when I introduce Stryker that he may not show a lot of emotions, but it’s because it’s his job to take in everyone’s big emotions,” Lipke said. “He helps to create a positive school climate and is a strong motivator to students to learn and strive for positive behaviors.”

Stryker is a part of the schoolwide behavior system called PBIS — Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports — and is a “reward” in the school store that students can select to spend time with him after earning points for showing respect, responsibility and integrity.

To help with Lily’s grieving process, Lipke arranged for her to have one-on-one time with Stryker.

“I felt very, very happy,” Lily said of the session with Stryker.

Stryker particularly enjoys pets behind his ears, and belly rubs are always welcome.

Fifth grader Isabella Wan of Indiana Township rides a bus to school and always keeps a watchful eye for Stryker when she arrives on campus.

“I pet him right when I walk inside. He’s very calm, sweet and comforting. My mom is happy we have Stryker, and it’s still new to me but it makes me feel really good to have a dog here,” Isabella said.

Fairview Principal Susan Kreit described Stryker’s presence on campus as one of joy.

“He brings a sense of joy and calm when students are having a moment, and I think it’s a nice consistent presence for them to know that there’s that outlet,” Kreit said.