Jonathan DeJesus knew he only had a short window to secure the golden labradoodle as his new partner as school resource officers for the Geary school district. The organization that was making the dog available, Heroes With Hope of Southern Oklahoma, asks each adopter to create a bonding window where they can just adjust to the dog and the dog to the handler and household before the two begin training together. It builds trust and stability in the relationship.
That short window – just a few days – meant that it was unlikely the fundraising goal of at least $3,000 would be met. So DeJesus went to his local bank, First State and applied for a loan to cover the costs.
Anyone who has ever applied for a loan knows the process can be anything except expedient, but this was a special case and the bankers really stepped up.
“They really helped me and were willing to work with me on it,” DeJesus said. The quick action allowed him to go to Lawton on Thursday and bring Tobey home. His hope is to set up a foundation to help cover associated costs, but in the meantime anyone who wants to assist can contact Heroes With Hope and earmark the donation for Blaine County, since the Sherriff’s Office is DeJesus’ employer.
The soft white pup went to school on Friday, starting to get acquainted with the students and staff. He even made a brief appearance at the football game on Friday night.
Tobey also went to school on Monday.
“He was with the little kids, and some of the bigger ones, too. It’s a slow introduction, he’s getting a lot of pets and hugs,” DeJesus laughed.
The introductions are still ongoing at home, too. The student resource officer has two school aged children who need added attention, and the dog is working his way into their lives and hearts.
That’s his job, and the curly top pup is already doing it even though his training is still down the road.
Tobey will be a crisis K9 and emotional support dog officially after the training October 28November 1 in Lawton. One student told DeJesus on Friday the dog helped them feel less anxious about school, a common issue for younger students.
But there are even bigger hopes resting on the service dog’s collar.
“We want to add another layer of support for the kids, the school and the community. We want to an additional positive impact,” DeJesus said. “We want them to know we care about them and help them heal.”
DeJesus pointed at other goings-on in the community that will bolster Tobey’s work.
“The football team won, we have a new school under construction, we have an emotional support dog, and we have a school psychologist,” he said. “It’s going to be a great year.”