For nearly a decade, one familiar face, and wagging tail, helped make Tonawanda Elementary School feel a little warmer and more welcoming.
On July 6, Storm, the school's beloved therapy dog, officially hung up her collar after spending nine years bringing comfort and companionship to students and staff.
Storm joined the Tonawanda City School District in October 2017 after becoming certified through the SPCA's Paws for Love therapy dog program. She first worked at Mullen Elementary before moving with staff to TES, where she quickly became an important part of the school community.
Most mornings, Storm could be found greeting students as they stepped off the bus. For children who were feeling anxious, overwhelmed or simply needed a little reassurance, she offered a calming presence. Sometimes all it took was a few minutes petting Storm before a student felt ready to start the day.
"I always believed in the power of therapy dogs and the impact they could have on students," said TES School Social Worker Marie Burger. "She was just so chill and calm. She loved to be pet and cuddled. She was so tolerant of children that I thought she would be a great candidate for a therapy dog."
Among her favorite memories is when a non-verbal student would take Storm's leash and allow her to guide him into the classroom each morning and when Storm would help encourage students to get off the bus by walking them inside.
Storm also seemed to know exactly when someone needed her most. If a student was upset, she would quietly lie beside them, letting them pet her fur until they felt calm enough to return to class.
"She has a quiet, sweet disposition," Burger said. "She is tolerant of others and the crazy costumes she wears. She just has a unique gentleness about her that makes her so special. She is the perfect size, not too big to scare students, but not too small for rough little hands. She is a very special dog who was blessed to be able to touch a lot of lives."
Now retired, Storm's days will look a little different. Instead of greeting buses each morning, she'll spend her time enjoying leisurely neighborhood walks, plenty of treats, lots of cuddles and, fittingly, as many naps as she wants.
