Therapy Dog Joins Staff of JCC Middle School

A therapy dog named Karch has joined the staff of Johnson County Central Middle School under the leadership of Guidance Counselor Tim Hedger. “I always wanted to have a therapy dog and, when I became the guidance counselor, I thought this would be the perfect setting,” Hedger said.
Karch is a 10-year-old border collie that Hedger has had since he was a puppy. Hedger said some dogs do not have the temperament for being a therapy dog, however, Karch has always been obedient since he was a pup. Karch is named after the legendary Karch Kiraly, the US Men’s Volleyball National Team Coach. Kiraly has won gold medals as an indoor volleyball player, beach volleyball player and coach of the US Women’s National Team.
To become a therapy dog, Karch and Hedger started taking the Advanced Adult courses from May through October 2025 through the Uplifting Paws organization in Lincoln. Each course was six weeks long, one class per week. Karch had to pass a test at the end of each course to advance to the next one. Hedger indicated that these classes proved to be challenging for Karch as he wasn’t used to being in a classroom environment.
Some of the tests Karch had to pass included sitting, lying and staying by Hedger’s side for at least three minutes when other people are around, passing a table of food without wanting to go check it out, as well as walking certain patterns on a leash. Karch must be certified every three years. Hedger had to sign documents authorized by Superintendent Jon Rother, approving Karch as a therapy dog at JCCMS.
Hedger explained that being a therapy dog is different than being a service dog. A service dog usually assists the person he is serving in a physical capacity, while a therapy dog is usually available to help someone with behavioral or mental health issues. For example, when a student is called to Hedger’s office, Karch can help the student calm down by allowing the student to pet him while Hedger talks to the him/her about their behavior.
“Utilizing Karch as a distraction eventually brings a smile on the student’s face,” said Hedger. He added that students will usually say “hi” to Karch, before addressing him. He also noted that other staff at JCCMS enjoy hanging out with Karch as well.
Not only is having a therapy dog beneficial when behavioral issues arise, Karch is available to recognize students with rewards for their successful efforts at the end of the school day as well.
Karch can get stressed in high traffic areas such as when students are passing in the hallway. Therefore, he usually remains in Hedger’s guidance office unless Hedger is observing students in a classroom setting. During observations, he is put on a leash and stands or sits near Hedger.
Hedger thinks it would be beneficial to have therapy dogs at JCC’s elementary and high school facilities as well, if that is something the faculty and staff would like to pursue.
“The training was intensive in order to provide assistance to people with general mental health,” said Hedger. “I think the kids enjoy having Karch around. I find it amazing how pets provide a unique connection with humans by loving humans unconditionally, helping keep humans grounded.”