Joye, a four-year-old lab-golden mix, isn’t just a friendly face at The Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility (VPF) — she’s a trained facility dog and the star of the school’s Canine Classmate Program.
A graduate of Canine Companions with more than 40 specialized commands, Joye supports children who are medically fragile or have intellectual disabilities, helping them learn, connect, and feel safe.
Cara Davis, Joye’s handler and Education Supervisor at The Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility, shares how Joye has become a source of comfort, motivation, and joy for students, staff, and families every day.
1. Comfort in Stressful Moments
Children at VPF often face frequent medical interventions and stressful situations. Joye is specially trained to stay calm around medical equipment, alarms, and challenging environments. She provides students and families with a steady, soothing presence.
“One of the sweetest moments I’ve seen was when a student was crying and we couldn’t figure out why,” Cara recalls. “Joye nudged her hand with her nose, and the student began smiling and reaching out to her. Joye turned her emotional distress into a connection.”
It’s not just students who feel her comfort. During a school tour, a mother became emotional while talking about her child’s needs. Joye immediately nudged her hands and leaned in for a hug. “That simple act gave her comfort when she needed it most,” says Cara.
2. Encouraging Social Interaction and Communication
Joye is trained to safely approach children using wheelchairs or specialized equipment, often lying beside them to share space and connection. Her presence encourages interaction that might not otherwise happen.
“When Joye engages with students who are upset, their bodies relax, their breathing slows, and smiles often follow,” says Cara. “Even students who were hesitant at first now look forward to her visits and interact with her positively.”
Through these interactions, staff also notice increased communication and rapport between students and their teachers, and a shared joy that builds trust and connection.
3. Enhancing Participation and Engagement
Because she knows so many commands, Joye is an active participant in classrooms. She can carry and hold objects, use her paw or nose to activate switches, point, wave, or even dunk a basketball.
“These abilities make learning more fun and accessible,” Cara explains. “She models tasks and helps students take turns, which boosts motivation and makes therapy sessions more engaging.”
For many students, Joye lowers barriers to participation, giving them a new way to practice skills while progressing toward their educational goals.
4. Motivating and Improving Behavior
Joye often serves as both a motivator and a role model. She demonstrates tasks like walking, reaching, or communicating, encouraging students to try. With Joye beside them, students show more enthusiasm and persistence during therapy.
“She has an intuitive sense of when someone needs her,” Cara shares. “When Joye offers comfort, bodies relax, breathing steadies, and tears often stop. She provides unconditional love that helps ease anxiety and encourages growth.”
5. Safety and Trust at the Core
Bringing a facility dog into a school with medically fragile children requires careful planning and training. Joye has been extensively trained to remain calm in emergency situations, follow commands, and safely navigate wheelchairs and medical equipment.
“She stays on-leash, and I guide all of her interactions,” Cara explains. “We tailor her approach to each student’s needs so they always feel safe.” Ongoing training ensures her skills remain sharp and her presence remains a positive part of the classroom.
Joye has become an integral part of the Bancroft VPF school community. Her comfort, connection, and motivation enrich the lives of students, families, and staff alike.
For schools or hospitals considering a program like this, Cara offers simple advice: “Define your goals, choose a reputable program like Canine Companions, and make sure you have a dedicated handler. With the right match and support, a facility dog can transform the educational and emotional experience of the children you serve.”
Joye is living proof that sometimes the best teachers have four legs and a wagging tail.
