Classroom Royalty
ICAN Royal with her handler Kelly
Having taught sixth grade for more than a decade, Kelly Larson knew the ins and outs of middle school. But in 2020, after earning a master's degree and shifting into special education, she began seeing firsthand the challenges her students faced in the wake of the pandemic.
Kelly knew she wanted to help make a change.
Inspired by the positive impact Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) dogs were already making at other schools in the district, Kelly began exploring the idea of bringing a facility service dog to her school. She was met with instant support from her supervisors.
Kelly and ICAN Royal with two of her trainers at Correctional Industrial Facility during Team Training
After a series of interviews and almost a year of anticipation, Kelly was matched with a regal Yellow Labrador named Royal.
Before Royal could step into her new role, Kelly completed ICAN’s Team Training. The program is led by ICAN’s incarcerated trainers who taught Kelly how to work with Royal.
“The incarcerated men were our biggest cheerleaders,” Kelly said. “They were so kind and encouraging. The experience was unforgettable.”
Royal during a “Walk and Talk” at school.
Now, Royal is an important part of Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois, and supports the school in many areas.
With the school’s social work team, Royal supports students experiencing overwhelming emotions. She applies deep pressure therapy, a therapeutic technique that has a calming effect on the nervous system, by firmly resting her head or front legs on students’ laps.
In Adaptive Physical Education, students with cognitive disabilities are paired with eighth graders for “Walk and Talks,” which is a time to connect with peers through movement and conversation. Royal is trained to walk calmly with the students, providing support and encouragement.
Royal is also part of the school’s Reaching Independence through Structured Education (RISE) program—which focuses on supporting students with disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder or challenges in communication and emotional regulation. This special time with Royal has become one of the most motivating rewards for students because they can earn “Bonus Bucks” for positive behavior or task completion and can save them to spend time with Royal.
Beyond the classroom, Royal is active and visible in the school and community. She joins summer programs like BRIDGE for incoming sixth graders and participates in community events, including a yearly Joliet Slammers baseball fundraiser held in her honor.
Whether she’s performing fun cues like spin, shake, or rock paper scissors for a quick student interaction, or sitting quietly by a student that needs comfort, Royal’s presence has transformed the school environment.
“I am more connected to my school because of Royal,” Kelly explained. “I know so many more students and seeing how they light up around her is priceless.”
You can help support facility dogs like Royal. Learn more at icandog.org.