MUNCIE, Ind. – Students and teachers at Muncie Central High School were given a surprise stress reliever.
In part to ease the stresses brought on by Muncie Community School’s financial crisis, Merlin, a full-time therapy dog was brought to the building.
"He's a puppy when he's at home, but when he's here he puts on his therapy vest and he's at work and he knows it,” said counselor Sabrina Mcknight.
At 8-months, Merlin walks the halls of the school and puts a smile on the faces of students and teachers.
"He knows who has the treats and what teachers, what classrooms he can go into,” said Mcknight.
Merlin was purchased this summer thanks to community donations.
"There's just so much going on in Muncie with the kids. Just stuff going on at home, stuff going on at school,” said Mcknight.
Muncie schools’ financial crisis forced the district to close several buildings and caused many teachers to quit.
"Whenever students will walk by him they'll just go over and pet him or give him knuckles. That's always fun,” said Kelby Stallings. "People just pet him and it just helps. It's a different feeling and it just changes the environment."
PREVIOUS | Muncie schools closed for second day after transportation issues on first day of class | Dozens of Muncie teachers resign amid district financial troubles
