If you’ve ventured down to the science hall this year, you might have seen a fluffy golden retriever with a very important job walking around. At her side is a new member of the AHS faculty, biology teacher Stefanie Kline.
Years ago, Kline decided that a service dog could help with an ongoing medical condition, and so she began the three-year-long process that brought three-year-old service dog Ruby into her life.
It includes doctor recommendations, personality tests for the dog and long training programs that all have to happen before a service dog can go home with their person.
“Ruby was trained for over a year and a half before I even got to meet her. Then, when it was determined she was ready to graduate from the program, I went to train at the agency with her for one week before I could bring her home,” Kline said.
A little over a year ago, Ruby was finally able to go home and begin her job as Kline’s constant companion and helper.
Each service animal can be trained to perform specific tasks, like retrieving medicine, alerting to seizures or helping calm their handler down during anxiety attacks.
Ruby is responsible for helping to monitor the symptoms of Kline’s medical conditions and can help out when needed.
“Ruby alerts me when I need to be mindful of [my medical condition] and helps to alleviate symptoms using a couple of different actions,” Kline said.
Every day, Ruby is by Kline’s side, helping out when needed. The pair were a first for AHS, and received warm welcomes from the faculty.
“Ruby and I were welcomed from day one at Annandale,” Kline said. “Principal DeRose is one of Ruby’s biggest fans, and that paved the way for us to feel at home in the school.”
There were some adjustments that Ruby, Kline and her students had to make. Like most teachers, Kline made a “get to know me” presentation about herself and introduced Ruby to her students in the same way.
It was important for students to understand the importance of Ruby’s job and know boundaries for interacting with her.
“They were all so respectful of her space and the process we went through so they could get acquainted with each other. She felt comfortable with the students in my classes really quickly. They are now allowed to pet her on the way in and out of class, and a few really enjoy playing with her as well,” Kline said.
As the school year has progressed, they have developed a routine that has helped make the day easier.
In the first few months, Kline would occasionally have to excuse herself so Ruby could take care of her business, but eventually, the two nailed down a schedule and had it all worked out.
“We start each day by visiting the dog park so Ruby can get some energy out by playing before we go to work, and during the day, we have a good bathroom schedule between classes. Now, she’s a pro,” Kline said.
At AHS, the golden retriever wears her service dog vest to remind herself and students that she is on the job.
Unsurprisingly, she is not as comfortable walking in the hallways in between classes and when they are packed, mostly because of how many smells, sights and sounds there are.
“Sometimes her presence will catch people by surprise, and when she hears people yelp or shout, she gets concerned,” Kline said.
However, in class, Ruby stays close by to Kline and is much calmer. Ruby may appear to be resting but is actually in tune with her partner’s health and keeps a close eye on her at all times.
Yet, the job of a service dog is not all work. Kline and her husband love to take road trips and travel around the Mid-Atlantic with Ruby. At home, she also tries to bond with the cat, but is usually not too successful.
“The size difference between them is pretty dramatic, and the cat usually doesn’t appreciate it, but sometimes my husband and I catch them sleeping on the sofa together,” Kline said.
“At home, when the vest is off, she’s a big bundle of play,” Kline said.
In the time since Ruby first became a part of Kline’s life, she has created so much positive change and helped her owner overcome lots.
“She has made my life feel so much more stable. I don’t have to worry as much about my health when I’m away from home,” Kline said.
Going to work, traveling and mostly anything else Kline wants to do outside of the house is accessible with her companion, and her life is changed for the better.
“I don’t have to look too far back to remember life without her, and it could be pretty scary sometimes,” Kline said. “There is no ‘best part’ of having a service dog, everything is just amazing.”