Local News

Gia the Retriever

Belington Middle welcomes therapy dog

BELINGTON -- The First Lady of West Virginia presented the first-ever therapy dog at Belington Middle School during a special ceremony Friday.

First Lady Cathy Justice introduced Gia, a female Golden Retriever.

"We are so excited to welcome Gia to Belington Elementary and Middle School," Justice said during the assembly. "As the 39th therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program, she will bring so much love and comfort to our students, helping them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

"Gia will be a wonderful addition to the school family, and we look forward to seeing all the positive impacts she'll bring to the lives of students and staff."

Gia being placed at Belington Middle is part of the First Lady's Friends With Paws program that places certified therapy dogs in various schools across West Virginia. Schools are required to have a Community in Schools Program (CIS) in place in order to qualify for a therapy dog.

"We are incredibly grateful to First Lady Cathy Justice for gifting us with Gia, our new therapy dog," said Eddie Vincent, Superintendent of Barbour County Schools.

"Gia will be a wonderful addition to our school community, providing comfort, support, and a sense of joy to our students and staff.

"This generous gift underscores the importance of nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts of our students, and we are excited to see the positive impact Gia will have on everyone she meets."

Chris Derico, the Barbour County Communities In Schools County Contact, worked for weeks with the Office of First Lady Justice, ensuring that the school students and staff were prepared for Gia's arrival.

"We are thrilled to welcome our new therapy dog to the Communities In Schools program at Belington Elementary and Middle Schools," Derico said. "This addition will provide invaluable emotional support to our students, creating a more nurturing and calming environment.

"The presence of Gia will help us build stronger connections with students, reduce stress, and promote positive mental health, making a lasting impact on their educational journey and overall well-being."

Multiple Barbour County school officials attended the assembly.

"We are thrilled to have Gia join the Belington Elementary family," said Cindy Sigley, principal of Belington Elementary. "Gia will not only brighten our hallways but also help foster an environment where kids will want to come. We can't wait for Gia to stroll the halls of Belington Elementary School."

Ben Shew, principal of Belington Middle School, said, "We are excited to welcome our new therapy dog to Belington Middle School. This addition of Gia to our school will enhance both the mental health and academic success of our students."

Gia is not the first Friends With Paws therapy dog to be presented to a local school.

In September 2023, Tora, a female Yellow Labrador, was introduced to the Elkins High School student population during an outdoor "Pup Rally" at EHS Stadium.

Last month, on Sept. 11, Prim, a female Labrador Retriever, was placed at Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School in Tucker County. 

Previously, Foster, a male Golden Labradoodle, was introduced at Buckhannon Academy Elementary in Upshur County, and Kasha, a female Yellow Labrador Retriever, was presented to Green Bank Elementary-Middle School in Pocahontas County.

The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor's Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education. Therapy dogs are placed in schools within CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal.

The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues.