SWAMPSCOTT — A one-year-old black lab named Sora is Swampscott Police Department School Resource Officer Brian Wilson’s new therapy and comfort dog.
Wilson received the new canine partner about two weeks ago. Since then, the duo has visited classrooms at the town’s public elementary, middle, and high schools every weekday. Wilson and Sora are also available to respond to tragedies or other calls in which the dog’s presence could help de-escalate the situation.
“If a student is having a tough day, the guidance counselors will call me,” Wilson said. “A smiling dog can do things we can’t as humans. …She’s taken to the training really well and she’s a bundle of love.”
Swampscott Public Schools Superintendent Pamela Angelakis said she welcomed Sora to the district to hopefully improve students’ social and emotional well-being.
“Sora has dispelled the idea that [Wilson] is here for punitive reasons, not support reasons, and it has helped him connect with students of all ages,” Angelakis said. “We do have evidence that students who wouldn’t engage in therapy, start a conversation when Sora walks into the room.”
Sora is a rescue and is originally from Florida where her first adoptive family gave her up. Since then, the outgoing black lab has passed therapy and comfort dog certification programs and found a new home with Wilson.
In addition to traditional police equipment, Wilson’s vehicle now has a dedicated space in the back seat for a dog bed, kennel, and water bowl. At the end of their workday, Sora goes home with Wilson. He said he treats her the same as his two other dogs, with whom she is still getting acquainted.
Wilson said the students have also taken well to Sora. He added that while elementary schoolers usually react differently to her than high schoolers, all reactions have been positive.
“So far, so good. It’s a big change,” Wilson said. “I’ve definitely been very grateful I have this opportunity. She’s only known me for a few weeks and she’s already adapted pretty well.”
Angelakis added that in Sora’s first two weeks on the job, she has requested the dog visit her office a few times.
“I’m so excited by it. It brings me so much joy,” she said. “No matter what’s on my mind, she makes me smile.”
