07-05-2025
Gettys Middle School ‘therapy dog' finds forever home
EASLEY, S.C. (WSPA) — A 7-year old Labradoodle found her home at an Easley middle school.
'The front door opened and a dog ran through,' said Jacob Nelson, principal at Richard H. Gettys Middle School.
When the dog unexpectedly ran through the school's front doors at the end of the last school year, no one wanted her to leave.
Counselor Janey Charles said the dog's owner told school officials that they were no longer able to keep her, opening up the perfect opportunity for the furry friend to be trained as the school's therapy dog.
'We were like that would be something great for the school, so I did the research, talked to other schools who had one,' Charles recalled. 'Then we went and started working with Mr. Jim to get her trained and all the certifications she needed, and she has done amazing.'
After check ups, weeks of training, and approval from the School District of Pickens County, Waverly — previously named Muffin — now hangs out with students a few times a week.
'We were like 'We have got to have an Easley name' and so we were like, 'Green Wave — well Waverly is a girl's name so that would work,'' Charles said.
Waverly helps staff get through long days. She enjoys walking through the classrooms, being pet and she reads with students.
The best part? She doesn't eat homework.
'Since she found us and since she wanted to be a breaker, we we're like that would be a perfect name for her.'
Teachers said they have seen great responses from their students when Waverly is around; they said she great incentive for good grades and good behavior.
'It is just so fun to see the kids get excited to see her,' Nelson said. 'When kids are having a hard day, or having a great day — I think every day is better with a dog around.'
School leaders said they are mindful of students who have allergies, but they said Waverly is hypoallergenic.
Waverly, officials said, is the fourth service dog the school district has added.
School staff said they believe more schools will follow their footsteps in the future, but they might not be as lucky to have their dog choose them.
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