At Melbourne High School in Arkansas, Bear is more than a therapy dog — he’s an official staff member and a beloved presence on campus, bringing tail wags, pets and smiles to students throughout the school day.

Owned by principal Tara Rush, Bear even has a yearbook photo and a uniform identifying him as part of the Bearkatz. He welcomes students, patrols the halls and makes his rounds during class changes, often stopping for attention along the way. Students Seth Cooper and Callie Lawrence say Bear brightens the hallways and brings people together.

Bear’s favorite part of the job may be snack time, but the therapy dog now needs some help of his own. After injuring his back left leg during a school event last year, Bear needs surgery, and Rush is working to raise money for his treatment.

kait8.com