She Sits, Stays, and Steals Your Heart: Meet Transcona Collegiate’s Accredited Facility Dog

There’s some four-legged magic happening in the hallways at Transcona Collegiate that creates — “Labracadabra!” — instant joy!

Last November, Principal Anita Maharaj introduced an accredited facility dog (AFD) named Fiddle to the school. Since then, Fiddle, a blonde Labrador Retriever, has been “fetching” smiles as she travels the halls (and maybe a few treats too!). She also teaches staff and students alike to “paws” and reflect when they’re having a “ruff” day.

Puns aside, Fiddle fast became an irreplaceable member of the school community. Most people are familiar with service dogs who provide support and assistance to their handler-owner. Like service dogs, AFDs are intensively trained, but their purpose is different. They work in fields like healthcare, education, and justice where they support the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the whole community under the direction of their handler — in this case, Anita herself.

“She’s an amazing dog,” said Anita. “When she’s working, she’s working. But when you take the leash off, she is silly and playful. She knows how to have fun but goes right back to work when required.”

Several years ago, Anita met an AFD who worked with a social worker-handler in the youth justice system. Milan comforted victims who were giving testimony in legal proceedings, helping them to regulate their emotions and remain calm. Anita recognized how an AFD could support students and staff in schools, so she approached RETSD about getting one. With mental health being a strategic priority for the division, the idea received support.

Facility dogs offer many benefits to school environments. Their calm demeanour spreads to the people around them, lowering stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels in students and staff alike. They help to create a positive atmosphere by boosting moods and encouraging engagement, helping students cope with loneliness, feelings of isolation, and even trauma. During crises or high stress events, the dogs provide comfort and quiet empathy. Dogs can also help students develop better social skills and schools with them often note improvements to attendance.

“She loves running around the gym with students,” said Anita. “We’ve noticed that students who don’t engage a lot in phys ed become more interested and animated when Fiddle is there. Students will ask if they can throw a ball for her and seem to enjoy the activity.”

Anita said that allergies are not an issue with facility dogs because they occupy such a large environment that the allergens commonly associated with dogs don’t cause reactions. If the dog will be working with a group of students, Anita inquires whether anyone is allergic, and if so, Fiddle remains farthest away from that student as possible.

Anita also works with students who are afraid of dogs to slowly reduce their fear. Fiddle’s gentleness and patience help students to discover the benefits a dog offers. Anita recounted the story of one student who used to run away whenever Fiddle came nearby. Today, that student has warmed up to Fiddle, giving her friendly, if still a little cautious, pats on the head.

“It has been heartwarming to see these changes,” she said. “Fiddle brings such joy.”

Nowadays, Anita has no choice but to bring her work home with her every day but she wouldn’t change it for the world. When Fiddle’s working days are over in a few years, the hope is that she’ll remain Anita’s constant companion.

There are no bones about it, Transcona Collegiate students and staff feel very “fur-tunate” to have Fiddle in their midst.