Natalie Fink

Sharing a quiet connection, Nova brightens the library with every gentle touch. Her dedicated handler, librarian Mrs. Gehrke guides her through her visits helping students de-stress during the school year. “ I just want to make sure that students feel safe at school and I know that Nova can ensure everyone feels that way,” Gehrke said. “Nova’s gentle presence makes the library a sanctuary of peace for everyone who visits.”

Students, usually preoccupied with buzzing phones and hasty hellos, now pause in the hallway to greet the newest member of the school. Nova is a one-year-old Australian shepherd therapy dog whose mission is to heal hearts and lift spirits one paw at a time. 

School can be a place full of love and laughter, but also crippling stress and anxiety. Librarian Amanda Gehrke wanted to bring in a helpful resource for students to rely on during the upcoming school year when times get tough. 

“Nova is a great resource for kids who are struggling and need some comfort during the day,” Gehrke said. “I wanted Nova to be an outlet for those kids to come to for support. Every kid that comes up to her she is happy to love on and comfort.” 

Gehrke began considering getting a therapy dog after a club called West Cares held an event alongside Pups with a Purpose to help students de-stress before their upcoming finals. She observed the dog’s calming presence on the participants as they interacted and realized how impactful this was for students during an extremely stressful time.  Soon after the event, she contacted “Pups with a Purpose” to find the perfect dog to help students throughout the year. 

“We go through an extensive matching process to make sure we find the best dog for our client and their circumstances,” owner of “Pups with a Purpose” Jessica Gleason said. “We equip the dog and owner with tools that allow the dog to do their job around anyone including people with disabilities and medical personnel.” 

Nova is a double-duty hero, bringing her soothing presence to both school and home, spreading comfort wherever she goes. When someone feels down, Nova swoops in with her tail wagging, ready to turn things around. 

“I was so excited when my mom told me we were getting a new dog, ” daughter and student Ella Gehrke said. “When my mom told me she was going to be a therapy dog she would bring to school, I didn’t know what that meant. Little did I know she would be such a light in our lives.” 

Nova can’t wait to continue to offer her warm presence during the 24-25 school year and many more years to come. Her impact goes far beyond the school halls, leaving paw prints on the hearts of every student she meets reminding them that even in the hardest moments, they are never alone. Nova would be overjoyed to meet you during passing period outside the library or before/after school.