Canine Classmates w/ Holly Sjogren

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Helping Kids Learn With A Dog By Their Side

About The Episode

While she grew up in Seal Beach, California, a little north of her current home, Holly Sjogren had a mix of rescue dogs growing up. That was just the beginning, though, of what was to come. Once she got married, around 30 years ago, Holly and her husband really got more into dogs. In fact, before they had kids, they had a minivan just to drive around all their dogs.

After their own kids then came into the picture, the dogs continued to be part of the family with 3-4 always around at a given time. Simultaneously, Holly got into training her dogs to compete in obedience and agility tasks, among other things, with the latter still being something she works on to this day.

However, the most impactful relationship with dogs for Holly yet came when she started working with Guide Dogs of America, a nonprofit organization that helps train and match dogs for working with primarily the visually impaired, but also other instances such as autistic children, veterans, and facility dogs for places like courthouses.

Teaching fifth grade at Hope View Elementary School, once a year Guide Dogs of America would come and run an assembly to educate the students about the program, the impact of giving back, and paying it forward. While she initially was just organizing the assemblies, Holly eventually became a “puppy raiser” for the program – which meant she would bring in the dogs to her classroom as part of the training process. The dogs in training come at 8 weeks old, and stay until they’re transferred for formal training at 18 months before going to their eventual human in need.

Everyone in the school district approved and the benefits have been clear since the first dog, Luka the black lab, came into the school. There are even more dogs now at the local middle school and district office, too, as the community has embraced the relationship.

From Luka to “Hope View” Harry, the dogs have made a big impact on teaching lessons to the students. This includes learning the etiquette of approaching a dog, being patient, and overcoming fears. The kids feel like they’re part of the process, mini dog trainers, in educating their furry friends. In turn, the dogs also learn how to behave and relax around active kids and distracting spaces. It’s a win-win for the dogs, the students, Holly, and the school.

About The Guest - Holly Sjogren

Holly Sjogren is an elementary school teacher in Huntington Beach, California, where she also doubles as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America. She also has trained many dogs for dog agility and various skill-based competitions. Holly's family currently has a black lab, two mixed-breed dogs, and a Golden labrador puppy named Gus – the latter of whom she takes to school as part of her Guide Dogs of America work.

About The Organization - Guide Dogs of America

Guide Dogs of America (GDA) is a nonprofit that trains and matches service dogs to those who are visually impaired, as well as autistic children, veterans with PTSD, and more. They also recently merged in 2020 with Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs (TLCAD), combining their respective service dog programs into a single organization to be operated under the Guide Dogs of America umbrella.

(Ellen Ballon Dante, one of our West Coast Correspondents from Deity Animal Rescue, takes on hosting duties for the conversation)

Featured Links

InterviewJack SommerRescue / Service, Education, Service Dogs