The Power of Pilot
Pilot, a facility service dog at Mill Creek East Elementary School.
At Mill Creek East Elementary in Clayton, Indiana, school counselor Lauren Alspaugh supports more than 400 students from pre-K through fifth grade.
Over the years, Lauren noticed a steady increase in students struggling with emotional regulation. She knew she wanted to find a new approach to help them find balance and reconnect.
In her search, Lauren discovered the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) and its facility service dogs. The thought of a dog prepared to meet her students’ needs struck her as the perfect fit.
Pilot and Lauren show students how fun reading can be through cue card practice in class.
After two years on the waitlist, Lauren finally received the call that she was matched with a black Labrador named Pilot.
She and her husband spent two weeks in Team Training, learning directly from incarcerated handlers at Indiana Women’s Prison who had prepared Pilot for his new role.
“I remember being excited, nervous, and hopeful for the difference Pilot could make in the lives of my students,” Lauren shared.
Pilot and Lauren build connections with a student through a fun round of Hungry Hungry Hippos.
That hope became a reality the moment Pilot arrived at Mill Creek East. “The students were shocked and thrilled,” she said. “It was so fun to see their amazement when Pilot came in.”
In the classroom, Pilot is at the center of hands-on learning moments. He demonstrates quiet listening, waiting his turn, and following instructions, giving students an example of the skills they’re working to build.
Pilot is also a favorite reward throughout the school. When students meet goals or show positive behaviors, they earn time to pet him, brush his coat, or toss a ball for him. He is even invited to classroom movie parties and dance parties, where his presence makes the celebration feel extra special.
Pilot supports a student who was feeling overwhelmed at school.
For students who are shut down or overwhelmed, Pilot’s presence often serves as a bridge to help them open up. Lauren silently cues Pilot to nudge students who have their heads down. From there, Lauren might say, “Pilot is here. Would you like to come take a walk with him?”
These small interactions with Pilot can shift an entire day for a struggling student.
Pilot also plays hide-and-seek by finding toys hidden by students, reads cue cards, and is learning new games like tic-tac-toe. These playful interactions keep students engaged and build skills like patience and teamwork.
Pilot engages with students in a friendly game of tic-tac-toe.
Pilot has quickly become a beloved member of the school community. He even “threw” the first pitch at the fifth-grade kickball tournament by nudging the ball toward home plate with his nose.
Pilot’s influence is undeniable. During his first year at Mill Creek East, Lauren shared that discipline referrals dropped by 43 percent!
Pilot helps students regulate, connect, and reset in ways that words alone can’t. Lauren sums it up perfectly: “Kids need calm and steady. Pilot is the calm in many kids’ storm.”
Whether it’s calming emotions or building connections, Pilot has become an essential part of Mill Creek East Elementary.
Pilot “throwing the first pitch” at the school’s annual kickball tournament.
Whether it’s calming emotions or building connections, Pilot has become an essential part of Mill Creek East Elementary.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers who make these partnerships possible, even more students can benefit from the life‑changing presence of facility service dogs.
