CANFIELD — Canfield Village Middle School welcomed a new member when Ellie, a 5-year-old Chinese Crested Powder Puff, became the school’s first therapy dog.

“We did the research from other schools,” said CVMS Principal Judd Rubin. “And our counselor Angela Lamping already has a certified therapy dog. We got all the paperwork together, presented it to our superintendent, and got approved to bring the dog to school two to three days a week.”

Lamping is not new to therapy dogs. Ellie already serves the Trumbull-Mahoning area, visiting libraries and other venues.

Lamping started with the Canfield Local School District 11 years ago as a consumer science teacher and four years ago became a school counselor. In her new role, she wanted to incorporate Ellie into her job as a tool for students to enjoy. Most of the paperwork was already in place for that to happen.

As a member of a therapy team, Lamping already has been through the testing and has the certification needed. She is trained and tested at Pups Path in the Eastwood Mall in Niles. The certification lasts for one year and the dog must test again to continue each year.

“Ellie is trained and certified through the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen testing,” Lamping said. “It involves the dog’s reaction to loud noises, riding elevators and avoiding food while testing.”

She said it is easier when one has a dog that wants to be around people and is friendly. Some dogs just can’t pass the test. Lamping said she has a second dog at home that was a rescue, but it doesn’t prefer to be around a lot of people.

Ellie, however, passed the tests with flying colors and loves the over 750 students at CVMS. They love her back as is evident when Ellie tries to make it down a hallway. Practically every student stops to pet her head and say hi. Ellie does know how to shake hands too.

Ellie is also being used for specific classes at the school where the need is greatest.

“We have two intensive needs classes,” Rubin said. “Ellie visits those classes and those students have really taken to her.”

As for school pride, Lamping said Ellie has a red collar and a black and red bandana to wear on spirit days.

Students at CVMS also know the ground rules of interacting with Ellie. A school assembly was held last week to introduce Ellie and set some rules such as not running up to her and basic common sense behavior.

Lamping and Rubin also are working on a schedule for Ellie concerning what they hope to accomplish. For Ellie, school is different than at the libraries where she was one-on-one, but she is learning quickly and enjoying it.

Ellie also enjoys recess with her new friends at CVMS.