November 3, 1999
Sabin says so long to great 'teacher'
Retirement program honors dog's years of hard work in school
By Garret Leiva
Herald editor
Class-by-class, students and staff at Sabin Elementary School stood in line to offer thanks to a Great 'teacher' last week during a much earned retirement party. Some gave Samantha a hug, others a kiss, and a few simply told her 'good girl' as they patted her head. Through it all, "Sam" sat with her tongue hanging out, smiling.
If you couldn't guess, Samantha is not your typical school 'teacher.' At 9 1/2 years old, this Great Dane dog is a veteran of the class room who has spent 63 dog years making a difference in the education of hundreds of young children.
"Just her presence seems to have quite an impact on students. She's very sensitive to a child's mood and comfort level, " said Julie Diola, Sabin Resource Room teacher and "Sam's" owner.
Samantha, or "Sam" as the students call her, began her chosen career in 1990 at the tender age of 7 1/2 weeks old in the Kalkaska Middle School. The black and white colored canine has been part of the Sabin school special education program since 1993.
Just like her human counterparts, before "Sam" could work in the class room she needed certain certification. Samantha is a Certified Therapy Dog, graduating with honors from Pet Provider Therapy School, which is sponsored by Love on A Leash. Diola noted that certification required training and evaluation in the areas of obedience, temperament, socialization, physical health and ability.
Since arriving at Sabin six years ago, Samantha has worked full-time with teachers Diola and Julie Vastine and a variety of elementary classes. A tail-wagging motivational tool, Samantha's specialty areas included: being the focus for art lessons such as tracing her body, serving as a live model and 'real world' math lessons.
"Our academic activities included figuring out how far she walks, her daily food and water intake. Other lessons included things heavier or lighter than a Great Dane and pet care responsibilities," said Diola, who noted that students could also earn 10 minutes of reward time with "Sam" by doing their school work or behaving appropriately in class.
Outside of the class room, the gentle Great Dane always had a way with children.
As an example of the canine's uncanny ability, Diola noted how "Sam" reached out to a student who had returned to school after his mother had committed suicide. The student was sitting alone on a bench in the school lobby and "Sam" - who usually socialized with all the kids before classes - walked over and sat at the child's feet. "She would not leave his side until he was ready to go to class," Diola recalled.
Samantha's special touch with students and staff has not gone unheralded. TV 7&4 named her a Top of the Class Award Winner and she was a Michigan Education Association honoree, showcasing her talents with public school students.
Last Wednesday it was Sabin Elementary's chance to honor Samantha with a retirement reception and assembly highlighting her career and special talents. During the afternoon event, students and staff paid tribute to "Sam" with selected poetry, essays, songs and dances special prepared for the pooch.
"Everyone has a great attachment to Samantha: staff, parents and students alike," said Sharon Curtis, Sabin principal. "She is a very gentle dog. She brings a lot of smiles and when you're sad she lifts your spirit"
Calling Sabin her dog's "second home," Diola said Samantha will miss students and staff terribly. Judging by the line of well-wishers giving bear hugs to the graying Great Dane, so too will Sabin Elementary School.
"She just has that unconditional love. She is always happy to see you no matter what kind of day it has been and no matter what you've done," Diola noted.