Roxy the Therapy Dog helps welcome students back in Manitou Springs

It’s back to school for District 14 in Manitou Springs and as students begin, one staff member doesn’t look quite like the others.

Students in D14 were welcomed back to school by their principal, staff, and the school’s therapy dog, Roxy.

Julie Womochil, a preschool teacher and Roxy’s caretaker, said, “You can just see it in the softening of the kid’s faces and the relaxation in their bodies when they are with her.”

Roxy is a 5-year-old golden retriever. She is going into her fourth year here at Manitou Springs Elementary. As a therapy dog, Womochil says Roxy helps in more ways than one.

“Start with unconditional love, she allays anxiety and she really does free up some stress for these kids,” said Womochil.

And Roxy is dedicated to her students. Every morning, rain or shine, she will be outside greeting every child that walks in.

Russ Vogel, Principal at Manitou Springs Elementary, said, “Even on the coldest days, she is out here. In all different weather, she is down here greeting the kids. It’s how we start the day.”

And in her few years here at the school, she’s really made an impact. Vogel said it would not be the same without her.