More research will need to be done before in-school canines get the go-ahead from the Mid-Prairie School Board. The proposal for therapy dogs at the elementary schools came from Kalona and Washington Township Elementary Principal Teresa Beenblossom and Wellman Elementary Principal Bill Poock. Beenblossom says each principal in the district was given funding this year for an innovative initiative.

Beenblossom explains before the Board makes its decision in May, they’ll educate the public on the purpose and benefits of therapy dogs, do additional research and conduct surveys.

For the complete interview with Beenblossom click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.