VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Every Friday, students at Pembroke Elementary School look forward to a special visitor. Wayne Anderson and his dog Mike come to keep some of the students company.
Anderson first brought Mike, a trained reading dog, to help some of the students a few years ago. The pair visit with students who may have a harder time reading.
“They have studies that kids to better reading with an animal than with a person. The kids really love him,” said Anderson.
Last year, Anderson brought friend and musician, Jimmy Freeman, to come along with him to play some music for some of the special education students. From the very first time, the students immediately took to the music.
“The music is the thing that brings us all together. They just kind of gravitated toward us,” said Freeman.
Rokisha Gates is a special education teacher at Pembroke Elementary. She works with students that have disabilities that range from down syndrome, to autism, to cerebral palsy. She says the response to the music from the children has been incredible, especially because some of them aren’t even able to speak.
“It’s a way to communicate, a way to express yourself, and a way to be free,” said Gates.
When Freeman visits the school, he often brings other musicians with him.
“Music is like the thing that brings us all together,” he said.
Teachers like Gates are grateful for the volunteers that come in to spend their time with the students.
“Our kids are just as special as any other child. Our kids love music and our kids love to have a good time,” said Gates.
Anderson adopted Mike from the Virginia SPCA when he was just three months old. The VBSPCA has a ‘Listening Ears’ program that offers classes and training to get your dog therapy certified. Mike is also registered with Therapy Dogs International that offers similar training.
Anderson says there are many organizations and schools that would love to have therapy dog visits, they just don’t have enough volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering with any of the Virginia Beach schools click here.
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