Cooper being the four-pawed counselor
Cooper gets a pet on the head from a student. Chewy, the therapy dog at Fort Osage High School waits in the background.
January 18, 2022
On Aug. 23, Cooper started the beginning of his second year being a therapy dog at OTMS.
Cooper is a golden retriever who is friendly to all who meet him. Counselor Valerie Seedorff and Cooper usually stand in the hallways and greet everyone. Students as well as teachers come up and pet his head.
“He has helped a lot of teachers and students who come to see him,” Seedorff said.
Cooper is a nice dog who may be shy but he loves people. His sweet face combined with his peaceful golden color gives him his comforting personality.
“He looks adorable and seems like he is a good dog,” eighth grader Karaselle Howard said.
Cooper is a member of the OTMS school counselors team. He is ready to help anyone get through the day with his delightful smile.
“After a long day, it is nice to see Cooper and get a chance to pet him,” eighth grade math teacher Bridget Schinstock said.
The process to get Cooper here was a long one. It took about four years.
“Cooper was the first therapy dog in this district,” Seedorff said. “I talked to everyone I needed to here and convinced them it was a good idea. As for Cooper, he went through about a year and a half of different training programs, but that is pretty normal for training.”
Cooper the therapy dog is ready and waiting for anyone to come pet his head or to allow him to sit and listen as he helps.
riley morris • Apr 26, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Cooper is such an amazing dog!
Alexis Dang • Apr 20, 2022 at 12:48 pm
It’s great that we have a furry friend to help out the counselors! I bet he helps a lot around school.
NaDia Catanzaro • Apr 18, 2022 at 11:46 am
there was a dog at my elementary school named Millie and she was really helpful for kids so i think its good that otms has a dog
Alyssa • Apr 18, 2022 at 11:00 am
It’s really cool how we have a therapy dog in the school that helps everyone when they are down and need cheering up.
mercedes maines • Apr 18, 2022 at 10:53 am
cooper is a very good dog and he is super sweet
Buddy Meyer • Apr 18, 2022 at 9:10 am
i like the idea of service dogs and i think they have a good impact in our school.
Jayden moore • Apr 18, 2022 at 9:09 am
cooper is a amazing dog and he is the best for a Counselor for humans
Sean Plaisime • Apr 18, 2022 at 9:05 am
Cooper is the best therapy dog ever.
Nathan Underwood • Apr 18, 2022 at 8:14 am
The dog is really shy.
Parker • Apr 18, 2022 at 8:14 am
that dog is so cool.
Loa Moe • Apr 18, 2022 at 8:01 am
It’s my first school year having a therapy dog around the school to help students and staff. It’s nice getting to see Cooper in the morning and getting to pet him before school starts.
zach • Apr 18, 2022 at 7:57 am
i think melody gave me really good information about cooper i think she is a good dog but she is shy
Layla Ford • Apr 18, 2022 at 7:56 am
I love how you cover all grounds with copper, I love the line “Cooper the therapy dog is ready and waiting for anyone to come pet his head”…