Kicking off the school year with some extra loving help in the building, new counselor Kelsey Spencer has brought in her therapy dog, Apollo.

Spencer adopted Apollo after a co-worker, who was leaving education, asked her if she could take care of him. Before this, Apollo had been placed with The Lucky Dog Program, a program where inmates are given the chance to train dogs.

The Lucky Dog Program is based in Hutchinson, KS, which is where Apollo was located. The dogs adopted into that program are often at risk of being euthanized, and the program allows for a second chance for both the residents and the dogs.

“He came from a breeder, and I guess the breeder wasn’t able to adopt him out, so then he donated him to The Lucky Dog program,” Spencer said. “Apollo got a lifetime parole certificate from the correction facility.”

Senior Ida Allen was one of many students transitioning to a new counselor. Allen said, although the transition was not particularly difficult, Apollo’s arrival makes going to the counselor more welcoming.

“[Having dogs] is helpful … it seems more casual, which is good when you’re talking to a counselor,” Allen said.

Although Spencer has not been here long, she said over her three years working as a counselor with Apollo at her side, he has helped draw people in and improve their days.

“He is a non-judgmental piece, so you could be having a really crummy day, and Apollo is here to give you love,” Spencer said. “When he sees you and his tail starts wagging, you just can’t have a bad day.”

If you are interested in looking at some of the lovely dogs up for adoption with the Lucky Dog Program, check out the cuties at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter!