THERAPY DOGS
ASOP’s Therapy Dog Program helps support the emotional and physical health of our students. More details about this program, including requirements for being an ASOP therapy dog, are available here.
Meet ASOP’s two therapy dogs, Abby and Elton!
Abby
Owner: Diane Faile, ASOP Content Creator and Building Substitute
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Nickname: Fuzzybutt
Birthday/Origin Story: October 10, 2022, in Paola, Kansas, at LionHeart Bernese. Her parents were Rose and Quinton. Abby’s American Kennel Club (AKC) registered name is “Lionhearts Home Coming Queen.”
Favorite Treat: Cheese!
Favorite Activities: Watching the world go by from the front yard, and playdates with her dog friends.
Personality: Sweet and patient, with a bit of attitude!
Training: Abby and Diane became a registered therapy animal team with Pet Partners, a national volunteer organization, in December 2023. They renewed their registration in December 2025. Also in 2023, Abby earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate in November, and her AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate in May after completing a basic obedience class. In May 2025, after 100 therapy dog visits to ASOP, Abby earned her AKC Therapy Dog Advanced title! Abby continues to learn and practice basic and advanced obedience.
Visit Abby’s Page for more information and pictures of Abby at ASOP!
Elton
Owner: Leah Allen, ASOP Math Teacher
Breed: Aussie Shepherd/Lab mix
Nickname: Eltee
Birthday/Origin Story: January 30, 2022. Elton was adopted when he was 3 months old from Midwest Animal ResQ in Raytown, Missouri.
Favorite Treat: Jerky treats and food snuck off the countertop when no one is looking.
Favorite Activities: Loves to play frisbee! Enjoys playing with other dogs and going on long walks.
Personality: A big goofball!
Training: Elton and Leah became a registered therapy animal team with Pet Partners, a national volunteer organization, in September 2023. Also in 2023, Elton earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate in May, and completed a basic obedience class. Elton continues to learn and practice basic and advanced obedience.
Visit Elton’s Page for more information and pictures of Elton at ASOP!
Stryder
ASOP THERAPY DOG-IN-TRAINING
Owner: Tami Seifert, ASOP Math Teacher
Breed: Dark golden retriever
Nickname:
Birthday/Origin Story:
Favorite Treat:
Favorite Activities:
Personality:
Training: Stryder completed his basic obedience class in October 2025, and his intermediate obedience class in January 2026. He is currently in training to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizenship test.
Stryder graduates from his
basic obedience class.
IN MEMORIAM
Harrison
b. 2009 - d. 2022
Certified therapy dog at ASOP 2020 - 2022 with owner Annie Swartz, ASOP Principal
“When I needed a hand, I found your paw.”