Gloria Spreads Happiness Around Campus
St. Johnsbury Academy recently welcomed a new four-legged staff member to campus to address student mental health and well-being. Gloria, a three-year-old golden retriever, joined Ms. Cote, who is a licensed clinical social worker, as SJA’s first therapy dog.
Ms. Cote was first made aware of the need for a service dog on campus as a result of a former student’s capstone project. The student approached Ms. Cote, hoping to bring a therapy dog program here to SJA. Ms. Cote was eager to help support this student in making this project a reality for the community.
Ms. Cote contacted an English Cream Golden Retriever breeder based in Vermont and was informed of some puppies available in Pennsylvania. And now we have Gloria! She just celebrated her third birthday. Gloria was trained by Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, an organization that has trained over 700 dogs since its founding in 2004.
After making her first debut in Chapel last month, Gloria has been a source of happiness for everyone on campus. Speaking from personal experience, Gloria is always excited to greet anyone who needs a companion, but she is always respectful of students’ boundaries.
Upon meeting with Ms. Cote to interview her about Gloria, Gloria was taking her midday nap. I asked Ms. Cote if Gloria liked her job, to which Ms. Cote replied, ”Yes!” Gloria is excited to go to school every day and be a source of joy and comfort for all. She does need to recharge her batteries sometimes and take quick naps, but she is always open for pets.
“It’s always nice to see a dog walking around campus, especially knowing that they’re here to help others,” Said Aidan Suozzi, ‘27. Another student, a member of the Class of ’25, stated that “I love her, she’s a very comforting presence to have on campus.”
Not only is Gloria a symbol of kindness and care here at the Academy, but she is also an example of Ms. Cote’s dedication to the happiness of all. Ms. Cote made it clear in Gloria’s Chapel debut that she was a resource for everyone at any time (unless she was with a student), and that has been very true: wherever Gloria is, there are smiles and wags all around.
