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Woodland Intermediate welcomes new therapy dog

When Woodland Intermediate School students return to class in the fall, they will be greeted by new faces. Among them will be Truett, a 2-year-old service dog trained to make life better for children, especially ones who need a little extra help.

Truett - who is half Golden Retriever, half Labrador - belongs to Lorna Horvath, an occupational therapist at Woodland Intermediate who offers Truett's services to the school for free.

"I have been thinking of owning a service dog since I graduated from college," Horvath said.

Truett spent four trimesters training at Canine Companions for Independence in Ohio. One of his main tasks at the Gurnee school for fourth and fifth graders will be motivating and inspiring children with special needs, according to Horvath.

"He can enhance the school experience for children who are shy or not verbal," Horvath said, adding that he can also lower anxiety in some children.

Truett can help out in other ways as well. Horvath said her dog knows how to close a drawer, turn a light switch off, pick up a pencil or puzzle pieces from the floor and, of course, shake hands.

Horvath became certified to work with Truett and cares for him at home with her husband, Jason Horvath, who works at Woodland Middle School, and their two children Ryan, 9, and Ellery, 7.

During the school day, Truett will hang out with Horvath in the occupational therapy room and accompany her when she visits classrooms or walks through the hallways.

Lorna Horvath, an occupational therapist, and Truett, a service dog, will be walking the hallways of Woodland Intermediate School this fall. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Waller Gordon
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