Puppy power! This week the Lower School’s second graders got a visit from Caryl Swain, the Vice President of the New Jersey Chapter of Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that trains and places service dogs. “Puppy raiser” Caryl brought her golden labrador, Chia, a service-dog-in-training and the 17th dog she has raised. Caryl answered questions from inquisitive students, such as how long it takes to train a pup (18 months) and what happens when a dog doesn’t graduate (the puppy raiser will keep the dog as a pet), and demonstrated the commands Chia had learned so far. Second Grade Teacher Ms. Dijkstra connected with Caryl years ago in Englewood and invited her to speak to her class about the organization. According to Ms. Dijkstra, this year will be the 15th year Canine Companions has visited second graders. “It has been such a meaningful experience for our students, who have a greater understanding of people with physical and mental disabilities and how these service dogs help them,” said Ms. Dijkstra. “Older students see Caryl on campus each spring out and about in Englewood and still say hello to her.” Paws up for Caryl and her four-legged heroes!