Ruby, a golden retriever full of love, serves as a therapy dog here at Greenbrier East. This one-year-old dog–who just had a birthday on October 10th–enjoys being around people and supporting them!
On September 25, Ruby visited the Rhema Christian Center gym to support the staff of Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) and Greenbrier Valley Medical Center (GVMC) as they participated in a skills week. Ruby arrived with East’s Health and Occupation Student Association (HOSA) seniors Alyssia Ratliff, Tabatha Morris, Chloe Hill, and Madison Jackson, their adviser Margaret Dodd, and senior class counselor Mike Vincent, one of Ruby’s designated handlers. At Rhema, Ruby was stationed at the wellness table in order to support the staff whenever they needed a break, a friendly smile, or a hug. Ruby is trained to do many things, like giving a hug or a fist bump.
Ruby also has many roles around Greenbrier East, where she is a friendly face for students, faculty, and staff alike. If you are having a bad day, just go to Ruby and she’ll restore your smile. Ruby has four “handlers.” A handler is a faculty or staff member who is trained to command and take care of Ruby. In addition to Mike Vincent, her handlers are Vice-principal David Vincent, teacher Kristi Caraway, and Communities in Schools Student Support Specialist Sommer Carter. These are the only four people that can care for Ruby.
Ruby is a blessing for Greenbrier East. She is there for so many struggling students who may be experiencing loss, an anxiety attack, or who just don’t want to be alone.
Happiness comes in big and small packages. In our case, it comes from a small but mighty dog.
