One year ago, a new staff member with golden fur began her journey helping Creek students. CeCe, the campus’s comfort dog, has dug her way into the center of the school’s hearts. Coordinating Counselor Tammy Maaz is her official handler and has seen students and teachers alike come visit CeCe.
“Teachers use her all the time; sometimes they visit just to lay on the floor with her,” Maaz said. “Everybody improves after seeing CeCe.”
Algebra teacher Cheryl Chu is one such teacher who has benefited from CeCe’s presence on campus.
“I’m usually afraid of dogs, but when I saw CeCe, I needed to hug her,” Chu said. “She’s always gentle and doesn’t mind when you come up and pet her.”
Chu isn’t the only one who has gotten over her fear of dogs with CeCe’s arrival. Maaz has seen many students who felt indifferent or were even scared of dogs come to love CeCe.
“She has had this positive impact,” Maaz said. “She can calm them [the student] down and helps bring down emotional instability.”
Many students over the course of the year have grown closer and closer to CeCe, working hard for the opportunity to bring her to class.
“I would do anything for her,” Senior Sara Lomeli said.
As a way to reinforce positive behavior in the classroom, many teachers have created appointments to bring CeCe into the classroom for the class with the best behavior. A student’s dull class brightens up when a dirtied tennis ball enters the room in the mouth of a smiling golden retriever.
“I’ve never thought about owning a dog, but after meeting CeCe I knew I needed one just like her – same golden fur, same smile, I even want to name her FeFe,” Chu said. “I want to bring CeCe in the class just for myself, but the kids need to earn it, and I will work to help them earn it.”
CeCe has brought happiness, not only to her coworkers and students, but also to her handler, Maaz.
“I’ve always loved my job,” Maaz said. ”She just brightens my day everyday. Coming to work has always been a joy, but she’s just this added component.”
Students and teachers who miss CeCe or need her expertise can always come to her office that she shares with Maaz in the counseling suite. Though she may be taking a cat nap when visitors arrive, CeCe will graciously wake up because she can always make time for giving and receiving love.