It’s official! We are excited to announce that our facility dog program has a name. Please join us in welcoming CDA Schools: Humane Connection (HC). Keep an eye out for our pups’ in their bright, green vests and bandannas during the 2024-25 school year.
In 2019, program developer and coordinator, Erin Duncan proposed and piloted a facility dog program, Humane Connection, at Winton Elementary with her “Good Dog” Blue. Blue’s objective was simple...help kids and adults feel better, support community building, and encourage empathy in young learners. Thanks to the unending love and support from Winton staff, students, and families...the program demonstrated positive impacts on the building as a whole.
Shortly after the formation of our K9 Committee, our District Pack began to grow. Christine Barber, Office Manager at Atlas Elementary and her devoted goldendoodle Lulu joined the pack. In March of 2023, Connie Anderson, parent volunteer at Coeur d'Alene High School (CHS), and Journey, her happy Bernese Mountain dog, were approved. Then, Kiersten Kerr, School Librarian at CHS, and her loving labradoodle, Stella, came onboard. Last but certainly not least, Marissa Owen, Vice Principal at Bryan Elementary, and her gentle golden retriever Llama were eagerly welcomed into the program.
PAWS up everyone!