For the past several years, Gunner has been a steady, calming, joyful presence at my school.

Gunner is not a novelty.

Gunner is not a distraction. 

Gunner is a tool for mental health support in a building full of growing, struggling, learning children.

And now Gunner is no longer allowed to provide therapy services to students and staff at WMS.

Across the country, schools successfully incorporate therapy dogs with clear guidelines, handler supervision, and proper coverage. 

Roadblock:

According to Regulation 6145, proof of liability insurance is all that is required (which I have provided). However, the District is now asking me to meet additional, unattainable expectations. None of which are outlined in Regulation 6145. I have been asked to obtain a separate speciality policy at MY expense. I have talked to countless brokers, carriers, and therapy dog organizations, and what I am learning is that such policies are designed to cover therapy dogs while volunteering independently in community settings. They specifically exclude coverage when the handler is using the animal in connection with their employment duties. What does this mean? It means that I cannot obtain the coverage the District is requiring. Not due to lack of trying, but due to lack of existence.

As most of you know, I fought hard for a very long time to revise policy. But the issue now is that we have a policy in place that allows therapy dogs in buildings, but the District's unattainable insurance expectations prevent participation entirely.

I have also spoken to other school districts and law enforcement agencies who have therapy dog programs, and the feedback is consistent. They have implemented their programs with fewer insurance requirements - and requirements in general -  than what is being asked of me. 

Let me tell you what I have done, and continue to do:

• Obtained therapy dog/handler certification
• Obtained the CGC
• Obtained the Advanced CGC
• Obtained a second handler certification
• Obtained letters of recommendation
• Registered and maintain a current membership through the AKC
• Maintain up to date vetting
• Maintain proper grooming/hygiene
• Maintain up to date liability insurance
• Obtained a letter from my insurance broker explaining why District requests cannot be met
• Followed District protocols
• Endless research, emails, and conversations
• Countless hours of work and an endless amount of love 

Meanwhile, students continue to ask:

“Where’s Gunner?”
“Is he coming back?”
“When will he visit again?”
"Who sent him home?"
"Can you bring him for just one day?"

The impact of a therapy dog is not abstract. It is visible every day:

• A student regulating emotions before returning to class
• A staff member taking a five-minute reset during a hard day
• A crisis de-escalated before it escalates further
• A student losing someone they love

In a time when student anxiety, behavioral challenges, and staff burnout are at historic highs, removing a proven, effective mental health support tool does not serve our students or staff.

This petition is not about circumventing policy.

It is about aligning policy with what is realistic, industry-standard, and already successfully implemented nationwide.

We respectfully ask the district to:

• Reevaluate the current insurance requirement.
• Accept general liability coverage consistent with comparable districts.
• Meet in good faith to find a reasonable, attainable solution.

Our students deserve access to evidence-based, compassionate support.

Bring Gunner back to WMS!

Please sign this petition to show the district that our community values practical solutions, student well-being, and the positive impact of school-based therapy dogs.