Our Fabulous Four-Footed Friend

Wednesdays are a particularly wonderful day because special assistant, Lucky Landis comes to the Penn View campus of Dock Mennonite Academy to assist the students in the learning process! 

Lucky loves his days at school.

Arriving with his owner, Dr. Sharon Fransen,
for a day of important work.

Lucky is our school’s therapy dog.  His owner is Dr. Sharon Fransen, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.  Lucky comes with lots of experience, having for many years insinuated himself sociably alongside Sharon’s twin girls, Hannah and Kate.

Though therapy dogs do not qualify as service dogs, they do a great job enhancing the lives of the people they serve.

Therapy dogs share their gift of companionship in places where people benefit from a calming (and in this case fabulously furry) presence.  Therapy dogs can be found in hospitals, schools, retirement homes, and hospice centers. 

In some cases, therapy dogs aid victims of natural disaster and are instrumental in helping children overcome speech and emotional disorders. 

Universities across the country enlist therapy dogs to help college students “de-stress.”  Four-footed cohorts are particularly helpful during the week of final exams!

Lucky’s job at our school involves providing comfort while listening to our students read.  Reading aloud builds confidence.  Comprehension and vocabulary skills are strengthened as the children share their stories with Lucky.  His gentle and patient demeanor helps the students to relax and concentrate on the task at hand. 

Michael was feeling a little camera shy but Lucky was eager to head to his favorite reading spot when Michael took his leash!

There is no fear of judgment from such a loyal and friendly companion!

Hudson reading about CATS!

Lucky and I have developed a bit of a rapport, which was problematic when I walked into the classroom and tried to take a photo of Hudson who was ironically reading Lucky a book entitled, "Have You Seen My Cat?" My furry friend stood up eagerly, dragging his leash and one hilariously laughing Hudson along the floor in his attempt to greet me.

Many of our classrooms have a delightful assortment of seating options available to students.

Lillian and Lucky, fast friends.  

Ms. Wismer working with first grade students.

Taking a stretch break after reading books!

Students in different grade levels have the opportunity to read to Lucky. 





All of that intent listening is exhausting work for a seven year old golden retriever. Being the recipient of so much expressive adoration can be draining as well!  


At the end of the first grade reading session, the children take Lucky for a restorative walk.  This change of pace helps to bolster Lucky for his final work of the day with the second grade group. 

Lucky is even a celebrity on the Middle School end of campus!

Some serious canine napping transpires when Lucky returns home on Wednesday afternoons! In fact, he sometimes nods off in the car during his short drive home!

Lucky does not have access to indoor restaurants and public spaces like a service dog might, but we at Dock Mennonite Academy think he should! In fact, he is quite deserving of a wonderful dinner out for the important role he plays. But for now, we'll settle for the hugs....

Our school community is most thankful for Lucky’s steadfast work with Dock Mennonite Academy's budding readers.