LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – The second day of school for the 23-24 school year at Greenbrier East High School welcomed a new member of the student body with a full band performance and the Governor and First Lady in attendance.
Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice brought a canine companion to Greenbrier East on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Ruby is a golden retriever and will be part of the school student body as a friend and companion. She was trained by Beth Johnson of Ultimate Canine from the age of 2 months old, and Ruby is now almost 11 months old.
The Governor spoke to the students of Greenbrier East and affirmed their excellence and goals would be reached in the job market of the state they are proudly from. He said, “Our families have been torn apart by working young adults having to leave the state to look for work. You actually live within rock’s throw of one-quarter of the nation’s population.”
He also explained the purpose of a therapy dog being placed at the school. “Homes and memories are being lost right now in West Virginia due to flooding. Hopefully, no lives will be lost. But this area certainly experienced that in the flood of 2016.”
“Today you are going to meet Ruby. And I promise she will touch your heart. [Having this therapy dog] will only make us better. If there is one kid having a tough day and talking to that dog can make him feel better, it may even save a life.”
The Community in Schools (CIS) program partnered with the Governor’s Office and The West Virginia Department of Education to bring this Friends With Paws program to the state’s schools. Greenbrier East is the 12th of 19 schools announced so far, to receive therapy dogs. CIS programs are in 53 of the state’s counties.
First Lady Cathy Justice took the podium next as this CIS program and Friends With Paws is her initiative. She is bringing the Governor and Baby Dog to each therapy dog introduction at schools across the state.
Cathy Justice said, “Never be ashamed. Do not feel you have anything less than others. Always be proud of who you are and where you came from.” She admitted that she has been influenced by the relationship between her husband and Baby Dog, and Baby Dog’s effect on people in general. As soon as the Governor’s party arrived at the school gym, Baby Dog took the initial strut into the room and made a wide circle among the marching band before returning to the Governor’s side.
This new therapy dog for Greenbrier East High School has been trained to respond to certain commands that benefit its service designation. Trainer Beth Johnson of Ultimate Canine of Indiana showed the audience of students how to give the commands. “Visit” instructs Ruby to lay her head on the person’s lap, “Snuggle” encourages the dog to climb front legs up onto the person’s lap, and “Knuckles” is a fist bump exchange. Of course, there is “sit, stay and come,” but the best is “Free Dog,” which can only be compared to a military “at ease” command.
Faculty at Greenbrier East who will be designated handlers for Ruby are David Vincent, Michael Vincent, Kristi Caraway and Sommer Carter.
CIS director Brittany Masters introduced the members of the CIS Board who were present and expressed to the students that a whole team is there for their needs. “Let us know what you need and we will do that for you.” On the stage for the Governor’s and First Lady’s presentation were Lewisburg Mayor and city manager, Ronceverte’s mayor, and several members of the Board of Education as well as the administration of Greenbrier East High School.
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