Autism service dogs attend 2 southern New Brunswick schools

Transitioning back to school has been easier for two young students with autism in southern New Brunswick, thanks to the addition of their service dogs in the classroom.

Oakley and Grace are the first service dogs to attend schools in the Anglophone South School District.

Grace is Jackson Kirby's service dog.Kirby, a Grade 3 student at Grand Manan Community School, is connected to her through a safety harnesswhile in class.

Oakley is Kate Mouland's service dog and he helps keep her safe at Fairvale Elementary School in Quispamsis.

Shonna Martin, Mouland's kindergarten teacher, says Oakleyand her studentshaveadapted beautifully to the unique setup.

"The children perfectly ignore him, which is their job," Martin said Thursday onInformation Morning Saint John.

"We explained to them how it works he's not a dog here, he's not a pet, he's essentially a teacher."

"We consider him staff and they don't even see him, they just see Kate. They see their buddy, and it's absolutely impressive," she said.

Martin had to rearrangeher classroom to make space for the 40 kilogram animal.

She also worked with a national service dog coordinator to learn more about Oakley's role in supporting Mouland's needs.

"While he's in his vest he can't scratch, he can't use the bathroom, he can't have a drink, he's here to work," Martin said.

"He's just like us, he puts on his work clothes and he's in a different mode. When he's home, he gets to have his relaxation time just like an adult would."

Martin says welcoming Mouland and Oakley to the classroom has been one of the mostrewarding experiences of her teaching career.

She says Oakley has taught her to be more intunewith her students with special needs.

"He has supported his child during her transition to school. The transition to school is difficult for many students, let alone our children that we know are on the autism spectrum, and he has provided a beautiful bridge of bringing a piece of home to school with her," said Martin.

"He is the best [educational assistant] you could ever imagine he's the best behaved in the building."