Public School Zero received a sizable grant for a service dog, which have been shown to have physical, cognitive and emotional benefits for students and staff alike.
There was a lot of initial enthusiasm, but several factors undermined the success of the project. The initial grant application clearly stated that the dog was to come from a local animal shelter with ties to the school. Instead, Director of Special Services Molly Ride insisted that her own elderly bulldog be trained for the role.
Although service dogs are no longer selected from a select group of breeds, bulldogs are usually considered a bad choice. The dog, whose name is Notorious, was indeed notorious for his resource guarding (biting), marking (peeing), coprophagia (eating own poop) and epic barking. Hoping to get some free training for her beloved pet, Molly enrolled Notorious in the Service Program without consulting the Committee.
When challenged with corruption charges, Molly argued that she did not personally benefit from the grant money, as Notorious showed no improvement in his troubling behaviors, and did not learn any service skills. Like many bulldogs, Notorious has both breathing and walking problems due to overbreeding, so he is unable to patrol the halls as planned. Instead, the dog rests in a velvet-lined wagon and is pushed around the school receiving sugary treats in every classroom he visits. On occasion, he wears a jeweled crown and a lace collar. He particularly likes having the silky fur under his ears stroked.
The grant will run out in a month, and Public School Zero has been unable to recoup the cost or to receive another service dog, as the students are so attached to The Notorious D.O.G. that he cannot be replaced.
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