Aiken Elementary's therapy dog brings joy to students

Monday, May 21, 2018

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- A new furry friend is helping students at Aiken Elementary.

His name is Kappa and he's a Lebanese. Before becoming a therapy dog Kappa was Uhle's son's guide dog for 6 years. Recently, Kappa became ill and was no longer able to act as a guide dog but. He's now leaving his impact another way.

Kappa comes to Aiken Elementary two days a week to act as a therapy dog for some of the students. The faculty says everyone gets excited to see Kappa.

"He is like family we're celebrating his birthday today just like we would any other family member," says Keisha Uhle, Kappa's owner.

In celebration of Kappa's ninth birthday the three classes who brought in the most food for the school's backpack program are having "Cupcakes with Kappa."

Shari Barton, the school's secretary says the celebration is nothing but all around fun.

"It's two-fold but, one benefits the other by having him here and the kids are able to give him presents through the backpack program."

65 percent of the students at Aiken Elementary are at poverty level. Uhle explains without the backpack program some of their students would not eat on the weekends.

"The program is totally sustained by donations so we figure this to be a great opportunity for the kids to become involved in that and they have brought in a ton of food," says Uhle.

Whether on kids or adults Kappa is leaving a lasting impact and making the backpack program even more of a success.

"People love him and all he wants is to be loved on. He's a constant source of affection, I love him, to us he's just an amazing creature."