Perry High School will be getting some furry friends for the upcoming school year.

The high school is bringing in two therapy dogs to continue to help students. The decision is part of the healing process for Perry Schools following the January 4th shooting that claimed the lives of sixth grader Ahmir Jolliff and longtime Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger. 

According to Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks, middle school teachers Angie Beaudet and Codi Allen took it upon themselves to purchase two dogs and put them through proper training. Wicks believes that the dogs will provide comfort to incoming students, while thanking Beaudet and Allen.

“These guys have taken the initiative, the cost, have taken just the full responsibility of getting these dogs trained, so they can help Perry kids as we begin a new year, a recovery year, and this will be a big asset.”

The dogs’ names are Kona and Shimmer and will be accessible to high school students to have some time to pet and play with. Beaudet stresses that the dogs are well-trained and will be on leashes at all times.