Who was Mr. Jackson?

Mr. Jackson - our 8th Grade Therapy Dog – has said goodbye. He was twelve in dog years, and that is about 85 in people years! He came to WCS every day for nine years. His job was to bring unconditional love to the WCS community. He lowered our blood pressure, reduced our stress, and made everyone smile. He helped lonely children find a friend, soothed hurt feelings, and helped little ones overcome fears. (He also cleaned up any crumbs or popcorn in the hallways.) One day we counted the number of WCS students, parents, and staff who touched him, and on that one day we gave up at 180 touches.  Take that times nine years of similar days. We hope he had a positive influence on everyone who met him. He was a gentle giant. Every time you said his name, gave him a pat or a hug, or a treat, you gave him lots and lots of love.  And he loved all of you back. He was always ready to put on his red Therapy Dogs International scarf and head to school. Thank you so much for being his friends. You put the spring in his step and the wag in his tail. ~ Dr. and Mrs. Nixon

Mr. Jackson was a 100 lb. black lab who attended WCS Middle School for nine years.  He was a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International.  This organization made sure he was healthy, friendly, polite, and had good manners in public. They also provided him with insurance. He lived with Dr. and Mrs. Nixon, and was adopted from the Sedgwick County Humane Society.  His job was to bring unconditional love to the WCS community.  Studies have shown that touching a pet reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and leaves a lasting positive influence on people.

When he was younger, he was certified and worked through Victory in the Valley, a cancer support organization.  He loved to sit with people who were having their chemotherapy treatments, especially young children at the pediatric oncology office.  He calmed them and helped to pass the time during this long and uncomfortable procedure.  He sometimes also visited the Veterans Administration Hospital and local nursing homes.

  

 Robin Macy of the Bartlett Arboretum (and former WCS Math Teacher) donated a tree in Jackson's memory to be placed in his favorite spot at WCS. The Blaze Maple will glow with color in the fall, his favorite time of the year.  Thank you, Miss Macy!

We have a stone with his name and paw print given by Leslie Prechtel, parents, and eighth-grade students that will be placed at the base of the tree.