Meet Gus: Our four-legged Committed Collaborator
Gus has a special way of making every space brighter and happier.
When the adorable CCPS therapy dog shows up, smiles are immediate and “Awwws” are melodic as students and adults gather around.
“His job is to make people have a better day,” says handler Captain Steve Charles.
Everyone agrees that Gus, a 14-month-old mini labradoodle, is crushing the assignment.
Purchased through a collaborative effort involving the Board of Education, the City of Winchester, and a private grant, Gus goes wherever he is needed to spend time with students who may simply need a break, a little comfort, or a friendly presence.
"When Gus is in a school building or in a room, the atmosphere changes immediately to be a warmer, softer, and better place," says Superintendent Dustin Howard. "He brings joy to our staff and students during his weekly visits and he is also there for our kids and staff during the hardest of times."
After the passing of Abe, CCPS’s first therapy dog, Captain Charles knew he wanted to continue the work.
The partnership between CCPS and WPD grew from a shared understanding that students, staff, and the community need support and positive interactions.
“We made this commitment because of a need for further mental health supports with our staff and students,” Howard says. “Through this partnership, Gus and Captain Charles are providing comfort and connection wherever they are needed.”
And that partnership reaches well beyond the walls of a school.
Working alongside Charles and a team of five handlers, Gus is highly trained, allowing him to be a calm, consistent presence in all settings.
“I can take him to classes and start teaching or talking and he will stay exactly where I put him,” Charles says. “And he absolutely loves kids.”
While Gus’ work with students is important in its own right, Charles sees another significant benefit to the partnership between law enforcement and the school district – relationships.
“Sometimes when law enforcement officers deal with people, it’s on the worst day of their lives,” Charles said. “When I show up with Gus, I want people to know that we’re there to have good experiences. When kids see me out in public, they always ask me where Gus is, so they associate a positive memory with law enforcement. No matter how small it is, it definitely makes an impact.”
Meanwhile Gus is doing what Gus does best: Making everyone he sees happy.
"Sometimes you can literally feel the weight come off of students' shoulders whenever they start petting him and loving on him," Captain Charles says. "It's special."
