By Laura Feffer
& Gari Voss
The Student Council and students are asking the Allegan Community for their assistance in bringing about a “Pawsitive Change” to L.E. White Middle School. The change will begin with bringing a support dog from Paws With A Cause into the school.
These PAWS dogs are not new to the Allegan community. Joey, a beautiful yellow lab, has been a support, or emotional therapy, dog at the Allegan County Probate Court for a number of years. Dublin, a lab, has been a facility dog or “assistant counselor” at Allegan High School since 2021.
Many people around Allegan have raised PAWS puppies or have encountered them going into establishments and have followed their careers. Augie, a golden retriever, is a certified emotional therapy dog at Comstock Middle School. Cobi, another big loveable golden, is a certified service dog for an autistic child.
Now, L.E. While Middle School would like to join the ranks of schools that bring in a facility dog who will assist students and staff.
On February 28, 2025, the students will be participating in a walk-a-thon in the Allegan High School Field House. This fundraiser, organized by the Student Council and in collaboration with the Be Nice Team, has a unique mission: To raise the $15,000 needed to purchase a facility dog from Paws With A Cause, and help with the annual veterinary appointments and supplies needed to care for it.
Principal Laura Feffer stated, “Research shows that students who interact with certified therapy dogs at school have lower levels of anxiety, feel more at ease during tests, and even report feeling more connected to their school community.”
The staff and students ask the public, “Can you please help these young people reach their goal? Every dollar gets us one “lap” closer!”
Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/01a38cef. or send a check to Allegan Public Schools, 550 5th St., Allegan, MI 49010 with a notation “Pawsitive Change” or “LE White Facility Dog”. For more information, call Ms. Laura Feffer at (269) 673-2241.
The L.E. White Middle School Staff and Students send their gratitude in advance to their incredible community for their continued support.
