WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. — Hazel is the four-legged pride of Woodford County Middle School and the go-to canine for students and teachers.


What You Need To Know

  • Woodford County Middle School is home to therapy dog Hazel

  • Hazel is a 5-year-old border collie mix

  • Hazel's owner sees her as a way to build rapport with students

Hazel walking the halls of Woodford County Middle School. (Spectrum News 1/Steve France)

"Hazel is a five-year old border collie mix. She was a rescue. She was a house pet for four years and still is until she was trained to be a therapy dog. And now she volunteers at Woodford County Middle School to help students and teachers alike," explained Hazel's owner Kelly Sayre, who is also a guidance counselor at the middle school.

Sayre views having a therapy dog like Hazel at school as a way to lessen student anxiety, but also as a way to build rapport with those who need guidance.

"We have a lot of students who have pressure to do well. And that creates some anxiety in students. And that's where I originally saw the need, because that was before coronavirus. Of course, I did all my training during the coronavirus. And so, knew even then that the kids were going to need more support when they came back to school," Sayre said.

Now, with students back in the building for in-person instruction, a hug from Hazel can go a long way.

"I have seen students come in that with tears, and now they're coming in with smiles," said Liz Kirk, principal at Woodford County Middle School. "And right now, it may be only with their eyes, but I still see their excitement to know if Hazel's here for the day.

The students have formed a bond with Hazel. (Spectrum News 1/Steve France)

It's safe to say the students have taken to Hazel.

"Having Hazel in school is... it's fun because you know that there is a dog here that you can talk to when you're feeling lonely and sad. Or if you just feel like you want to see a dog, because your dog isn't at school with you, you just have a dog to come pet," said eighth-grader Taylor Cross.

For Hazel, the love and attention she receives from students are just as great as the treats she gets from Sayre. For those in the building, the love that Hazel returns has a magical way of brightening their day and creating a special bond.

"I think it's really brought a more motivational and positive attitude within our school because people... the kids have something to look forward to whenever they come in. If they're having a rough day, they know that Hazel might be there and just spending five minutes with her truly does make a difference in their life because everybody loves a dog or most people love dogs," said teacher Meaghan DeVito.