Suffolk Reporter

Over the past year, students at John S. Hobart Elementary School and William Floyd Elementary School have welcomed Kopa, a three-year-old golden retriever and certified therapy dog. Kopa is owned by school psychologists Joshua Zelin (Hobart) and Lorie Zelin (WFE).

The American Kennel Club (AKC) defines therapy dogs as those that accompany their owner to volunteer in various settings including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, assisted living facilities, shelters, and courtrooms. According to the AKC, “Whether they’re working with a child who is learning to read, visiting a patient in a hospital or a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people. A therapy dog can provide a valuable sense of reassurance, joy or calmness to people…”

Kopa has completed basic and advanced training along with pet therapy certifications and has passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen training program. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zelin are certified handlers through Therapy Dogs of Long Island.

While Kopa is a certified therapy dog, students interact with him in an educational manner rather than receiving formal therapy.

In 2023, Kopa joined the William Floyd school community through a pilot project at Hobart and WFE. He also participated in the 2023 and 2024 Special Education K-12 summer programs. The pilot was successful enough for him to return for another year.

Kopa has become well-known at both schools due to his regular appearances throughout the school year where he receives attention from students. He provides comfort and happiness to students, helps alleviate general school-based anxiety, aids them in practicing reading, writing and communication skills by being a non-judgmental listener, and assists with social and emotional learning.

Mr. Zelin stated that Kopa helps students manage their emotions while serving as a teaching tool for empathy and compassion. His presence relieves anxiety and brings joy to those he interacts with.

Additionally, teachers have used Kopa as an incentive for improvement both behaviorally and academically within classrooms.

Kopa has become an integral part of both schools' communities by bringing smiles to those he interacts with while helping students become familiar with their school psychologists if they ever need support.