Thank you for the responses to the Employee News Blog on the Pet Gazette! We’re starting to wonder if all FCPS employees are dog people, or if there are any cat (or fish, or reptile) lovers too…

Estafani Pierola (pictured above), first grade teacher at Annandale Terrace Elementary School, rescued her puppy Eddie in July. “He is so social and energetic,” she says. “We have been making so many new friends during our walks!”

She also features a “Bark of the day!” (right) in her classroom each day to help motivate her students. She says they love it! 

Clayton Mitchell, operating engineer at Mount Vernon High School, and his wife Anita, administrative assistant at Hayfield Secondary School, got their dog Bellatrix (left) six years ago from a co-worker at Mount Vernon. Bellatrix is a 96 -pound Cane Corso. 

“When I get home the comfort she provides is indescribable,” Clayton says. “Every day she greets me on the stairs, puts her paws on my shoulder, and we hug. It never fails. I could go on forever with stories of how she has helped me through some rough times including losing a coworker who was also a friend. I have a painting a student had done of her in my office just to help when I need those moments.”

Gail Heidt (right), kindergarten teacher at Floris Elementary School, has an English Mastiff named Thor who is five years old. 

“Just as I look forward to getting to school each morning to greet my kindergarteners, I also look forward to seeing Thor’s face in the window when he hears me pull up in my driveway,” she says. “Just giving him a giant hug  helps me unwind after a hectic day or a long week at school.  When he’s not helping to calm me, he helps calm others as a therapy dog. He’s my special guy!”

Who (or what) helps you relax and feel calm? Share with us at [email protected] and we may feature you in a blog.