The Heart of the Center – Employee Spotlight

Therapy Dog for Children

Harley is North County Academy’s (NCA) animal assist therapy dog. Harley works with students as a therapeutic interventionist to teach self-regulation, calming and coping strategies and as a stress reliever. He is the hero for “Harley’s Heroes”, a program at NCA which focuses on bullying prevention and recognizes students that stand up against bullying by being an upstander vs. a bystander to end bullying.

Harley works Monday, Wednesday and Friday and although he hates the car ride, he loves arriving to the school and saying hello to all of the staff members and kids.

How long have you worked at the Center?
Harley has been part of the Center since he was 5 months old and passed the Good Citizen test in December 2017.

What is your favorite snack?
Harley’s favorite human snacks are little pieces of chicken or steak. He also loves watermelon and crunchy dog treats.

What is your favorite toy?
Harley’s favorite toys are anything that squeaks. He enjoys finding the squeaker and pulling the stuff out of toys. Right now his favorite toy is a bone and a dog puppet that looks just like him.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
He loves to go for walks, hikes and take naps in the sun. Harley loves to snuggle against people and sleep only if he is touching someone. He is gentle and sweet, and he matches the energy of the person in front of him.

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