By Jennifer Theurer

Rachel Schlesener, guidance counselor at Abilene High School, knows students are happy to see her when she walks into a classroom but they really want to see her new co-worker, Duchess.

Duchess was placed at Abilene High School in November through Rescues for Education as a facility dog. The approximately one-and-a-half-year-old Anatolian Shepherd mix has quickly become a popular addition to the staff and has even had a photoshoot with the yearbook class. Duchess may get lots of attention for her looks but there’s more to this pup than a pretty face.

“Ideally, we would love for [students] to look forward to English class or clubs or sports,” Schlesener said, “but some of our students don’t quite have that connection yet, so sometimes a facility dog can kind of cater to that.”

A typical day for Duchess includes time in the hallway greeting students as they start their day then spending longer periods of time in classroom and working one-on-one with students in Schlesener’s office.

“I do have to kind of watch her and make sure she’s not getting overstimulated,” she said. “Anytime we get done visiting a classroom, we’ll normally take a break in my office where she gets to either sit on her bed and eat a treat or sometimes she just likes taking a nap on the floor.”

Duchess is the result of Schlesener’s fundraising efforts and the tremendous community support she received. Once she became a guidance counselor, Schlesener knew she wanted to try to get a dog in the high school. She had read plenty of research on how facility dogs help improve student attendance, give comfort as kids learn to regulate their emotions, and boost staff morale.

“She’s here for everyone,” she said. “The biggest thing is her ability to just provide such a non-judgmental, unconditional amount of love to anyone she comes across.”

Aside from being available for snuggles by permission, Duchess is trained to provide specific therapeutical services. Schlesener said the school is hoping to see a reduction in anxiety in students and help some improve their coping skills.

“If a student is in distress I can provide the [comfort] command and she is to go place her paws on their leg and put some of that pressure therapy on them,” Schlesener said. “That can allow students to feel more comfortable talking to me as a counselor.”

During school breaks, Duchess enjoys helping Schlesener with some light landscaping around her home by digging holes then laying in them.

“She seems like she still has some puppiness in her,” Schlesener said. “She’s also very calm and just has a very mellow demeanor.”