On Friday, Feb. 6, students at Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) Preschool welcomed a special, four-legged visitor: Luna, the therapy dog from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Unit.
Deputy Sheriff Mackenzie Burns brought Luna to each classroom bringing smiles to students and staff. Students enjoyed watching Luna, either up close or from a distance depending on their comfort level, and learned about the three-year-old English cream retriever.
“Luna’s visit to our program was thoroughly enjoyed by our students and our staff members,” said Diane Condy, BCW Director. “It was wonderful to watch how gentle the children were with Luna. They practiced turn taking and gentle and soft touching.”
“Luna is being good with all the kids and it’s a great experience for her,” said Deputy Sheriff Burns.
Luna is the first therapy dog assigned to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Unit.
Luna receives two training courses a week to support the well-being of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office staff and the broader community. She was donated by Paws of War, a nonprofit that trains and places service animals with veterans and first responders.
Thank you to the BCW Parents’ Association (PA) and Fathers’ Group for coordinating the event. As with last year’s visit from New York Police Department K-9 Diller, each student also received a small puppy plushy souvenir.
VIDEO: https://youtube.com/shorts/7n1GdK5tBWM?si=K5xx7-JU3cK3gqTZ
