Therapy dog Misty (and her handler) receive Conshohocken's Friend of Education Award

Conshohocken Elementary School recognized Sandy Spitzer and her therapy dog, Misty, with the Friend of Education Award on Nov. 22. 

The Friend of Education Award is given out annually at the conclusion of American Education Week as a way to honor the people who support the school and its students. Conshohocken also raises money for a cause related to the individual being honored, and students collected $252 in loose change to benefit Rylie’s Rescue (a rescue organization based in Skippack).

Ms. Spitzer was honored before the whole school through a ceremony where Principal Denise Marks explained the important roles that therapy dogs can play in helping others and the types of training that the dogs and their handlers must go through to qualify. Several Conshohocken Elementary students also shared what they liked best about Misty’s visits to the school.

Misty became a therapy dog in 2011 and has been visiting children throughout the Colonial School District since that time. She also visits the William Jeanes Memorial Library in Lafayette Hill, where children can pet, brush, give treats, and play with the 15-year-old canine.

“When Mrs. Marks told me we were getting this award, I was very emotional and got teary-eyed,” said Ms. Spitzer, as Misty waited patiently at her side. “It means so much because being able to watch Misty brighten the day of countless children over the years has been one of the great joys of my life. Misty brings me so much happiness and to see her bring happiness to many of you, as well, is something I am glad we share.”