Farmingdale, N.Y. – Farmingdale High School is preparing to welcome Keanu, a two‑year‑old facility dog from Canine Companions Northeast Region. After 18 months of training and more than 40 task certifications, Keating will join the school’s community as a certified facility dog, offering comfort, emotional support, and a calming presence to students and staff.
Why a facility dog matters to Farmingdale
The school’s superintendent, Paul Defendini, first introduced a facility dog to the campus three years ago when a tragic bus crash in the Poconos claimed the lives of two staff members and injured a dozen students. The puppy, then named Daler, was brought in to help the school community cope with grief. Defendini recalled, “During that stretch of time, her impact on the community was profound, right? It was. And she wasn’t even fully trained.” The positive response convinced the superintendent to continue the program.
Keanu’s preparation and qualifications
Keanu’s journey began with a volunteer puppy raiser who cared for him for 18 months, providing daily socialization, basic obedience, and exposure to a variety of environments. After completing the raising phase, Keanu entered the Canine Companions training program, where he mastered more than 40 tasks, including:
- Providing deep pressure therapy to calm anxious individuals
- Retrieving items for students with mobility challenges
- Alerting staff to signs of emotional distress
- Assisting with transitions between classes
Following his formal training, Keanu spent two weeks at the Canine Companions facility working directly with Superintendent Defendini, who says the hands‑on time helped him understand the specific needs of Farmingdale’s students.
Community response
Local volunteers and school staff are enthusiastic about Keanu’s arrival. Todd Early, one of Keanu’s former puppy raisers, praised the dog’s personality: “Keanu’s superpower is, he’s just really engaging.” Anne McNeil, a teacher at Farmingdale High, added, “You can’t have a bad day with Keanu around. It’s impossible.”
Defendini emphasized the lasting impact of facility dogs, stating, “I’ve seen it firsthand. It changes lives.” He expects Keanu to become a trusted companion for students dealing with stress, anxiety, or the everyday pressures of high school life.
Continuing a tradition of support
Keanu’s placement marks the second time Farmingdale High will host a facility dog. The program, originally sparked by the need to heal after the bus tragedy, has become an integral part of the school’s approach to student well‑being. By providing a calm, non‑judgmental presence, facility dogs like Keanu help foster a supportive environment that aligns with the values of family, faith, and individual liberty cherished by the community.
As Keanu settles into his new role, the school plans to integrate the dog into daily routines, including classroom visits, counseling sessions, and special events. Parents, teachers, and students alike look forward to the positive influence the canine companion will bring to Farmingdale High School.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
