Therapy Dog Zoey and the counselor from Westchester Elementary were recognized for their volunteer efforts in Coral Springs

Coral Springs, Florida – At Westchester Elementary School in Coral Springs, you can often see Zoey, a 5-year-old mini Goldendoodle, happily walking the hallways and saying hello to kids with a wagging tail.
Zoey, a trained therapy dog, is a helpful friend to many students. She calms those who feel nervous and brings happiness to everyone at the school.
Zoey and her handler, school counselor Myra Brahms, have received the President’s Volunteer Gold Award for their work, according to a news story on the Broward County Public Schools website.
The Bonafide Therapy Dog Organization is giving an award to recognize their dedication to service, with over 600 hours of charity work completed.
Earlier this month, Brahms and Zoey received their award at a ceremony. They got a certificate, a gold pin, an award ribbon, and a letter of honor from President Joe Biden.
“Brahms said in the article that Zoey loves her home at Westchester Elementary and always shares kindness with our students and staff.”
Zoey sees Westchester Elementary three to four times a week, and this has made her quite popular in the area.
Brahms uses Zoey’s visits to support students better. She helps kids who feel stressed to concentrate again and provides comfort on tough days. Brahms often reads stories to classes, highlighting themes like empathy and care for people and animals.
Zoey calmly engages with the students, sometimes lying next to a scared child or letting a shy student pet her fur to help them feel more confident about speaking in class.
The dog’s effect goes beyond the school grounds. She has visited over 400 places, including hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, and the Ronald McDonald House. This has earned her the “Distinguished Therapy Dog” title from the American Kennel Club, according to the story.
Brahms and Zoey’s work is really important at Westchester Elementary. Principal Melissa Geraine said they have become a key part of the school community.
“Zoey is an important member of our school family,” Geraine said in the story.