Meet Knight, the professional therapy dog serving Exeter-West Greenwich School District, providing emotional support, student engagement, and wellness throughout the school community.

Knight is the dedicated professional therapy dog for the Exeter-West Greenwich School District (EWG), bringing comfort, encouragement, and emotional support to students, educators, and families throughout the district. As a certified therapy dog, Knight helps create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.Working alongside trained school staff, Knight visits classrooms, supports students during challenging moments, encourages positive social interactions, and helps reduce stress and anxiety. Whether celebrating successes, assisting during difficult days, or simply offering a calming presence, Knight has become a valued member of the EWG school community.

About Knight

Knight completed an extensive year-long professional training program that included multiple weekly training sessions throughout Southern Rhode Island before becoming officially certified. During training, Knight earned numerous nationally recognized certifications including:

AKC STAR Puppy

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

AKC Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA)

AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU)

AKC Trick DogAlliance of Therapy Dogs Certification

Knight officially completed therapy dog certification in early 2025 after successfully progressing through advanced obedience, public access, therapy dog skills, and community evaluations.

Supporting Student Mental Health and Wellness

Research consistently shows that therapy dogs can positively impact school communities by helping students:Reduce stress and anxietyImprove emotional regulationIncrease classroom engagementBuild confidenceStrengthen social skillsImprove school attendanceDevelop positive relationships with trusted adultsFeel more comfortable during challenging situationsKnight provides a calm, welcoming presence that encourages students to relax, communicate openly, and engage more confidently in learning.

How Knight Helps Throughout the School Day

Knight participates in a variety of educational and wellness activities across Exeter-West Greenwich schools, including:

Classroom Visits

Knight visits classrooms to encourage positive learning experiences and reward student success while helping create calm, focused learning environments.

Reading Support

Many students enjoy reading aloud to Knight, helping improve reading confidence while reducing performance anxiety.

Emotional Support

Students experiencing stress, worry, or difficult emotions often benefit from spending time with Knight under staff supervision.

Social-Emotional Learning

Knight naturally encourages empathy, kindness, respectful interactions, and positive communication among students.

School Community Events

Knight participates in district activities that promote wellness, school engagement, and community connection.

Professional Training Matters

Knight is much more than a friendly dog.Professional therapy dogs undergo extensive preparation to ensure they can:Remain calm around large groups of childrenWork comfortably in busy school environmentsIgnore food and distractionsRemain neutral around medical equipment and mobility devicesSafely interact with students of all agesRecover quickly from unexpected situationsWork confidently under the guidance of their handlerThis specialized training allows Knight to safely support students while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and professionalism.

A Trusted Member of the Exeter-West Greenwich Community

Who can interact with Knight?

Knight works with students, staff, and school programs under the supervision of the handler and according to district guidelines.

Is Knight certified?

Yes. Knight has earned multiple American Kennel Club titles and is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs after successfully completing extensive evaluations.

Why do schools have therapy dogs?

Research shows therapy dogs can reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, encourage positive behavior, increase student engagement, and create stronger school communities.

Does every student have to interact with Knight?

No. Student participation is always guided by school policies, family preferences, and individual student needs.

Knight's Journey

Knight's certification represents hundreds of hours of training, socialization, public access practice, and therapy dog preparation. Today, Knight proudly serves the Exeter-West Greenwich School District by helping students feel safe, supported, and successful while promoting emotional wellness throughout the school community.