Arlington County
Arlington service dogs

New program integrates service dogs into therapy for Arlington inmates

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Highly trained, specialized service dogs have been used to improve the physical and emotional health of countless Americans. A new pilot program in Arlington County is integrating service dogs into therapy for inmates in correctional facilities. This program is being led by the Arlington County Sherriff Department and is partnered with People Animals Love (PAL), a D.C. based nonprofit. “Animals give us so much love and joy and expect absolutely nothing in return; that shows a lot of vulnerability and trust in others,” said mental health therapist for Arlington county detention facilities Sonia Shuhart. “The inmates brought this idea to the attention of mental health therapists Aubrey Graham and Sonia Shuhart during Moral Reconation Therapy group,” said Cpt.

animal science

MSU club prepares dogs for their future

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Some dogs here on campus are like students, training for their future careers. Whitney Chandler is a senior at MSU and Vice President of Leader Dog Club (LDC). “I’m currently raising Finn, he’s six months, he’s a black lab,” she said. Finn is no ordinary puppy. When he’s older he will lead the blind.

Education

Grand Ledge Public Schools helping students with disabilities

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By Madison Morse
Living In The Ledge Staff Reporter

Imagine not being able to use your legs or living in a state of anxiety that could lead to a panic attack at any moment. These are just some of the struggles students are having to face every single day. However, Grand Ledge Public Schools is on a mission to help these students by offering personalized amenities to their school system. According to Hayes Middle School Principal Mike Johnson, Grand Ledge has and will continue to make any necessary building changes to provide to those who need physical assistance. “We have added hands-free doors, handicapped spaces and in the last few years it was realized that we needed to construct cut-outs to the ends of sidewalks so any student in a wheelchair would be able to access the sidewalks as well,” Johnson said.