Feeling ruff? Students at Abingdon Elementary School benefit from dog therapy once a week from two very special pups.

Dandelion (“Dandi”), a 5-year-old beagle, and Aagin, a nearly 10-year-old border collie, alternate visiting the school every week with their handler, Shelley Kinser of Gloucester Point. Kinser has served as a volunteer at Abingdon Elementary for the past eight years with her dogs and was honored at the Dec. 12 Gloucester County School Board meeting as volunteer of the month.

Kinser has been involved in animal therapy for about 35 years. She has been in cancer, rehabilitation and nursing home facilities with different therapy animals over the years.

“Most of my animals like the elderly,” said Kinser. Aagin and Dandi, however, prefer children.

“Nothing really fazes them,” said Kinser about Aagin and Dandi. The two dogs have been involved in difficult situations like fire drills and students acting out, and remain calm through it all.

According to Kinser, the two dogs do all the work at the school. “I tell people I’m just their escort,” she said.

Kinser and her dogs work with a range of students. “Every student is different and every year is different,” she said.

Some students will see Kinser and her dogs from kindergarten through fifth grade. Students who have trouble reading will read to the dogs so they can practice their skills to a non-judgmental ear. Students who are having a hard time can also visit with the dogs. Talking to the dogs can help students calm down.

“The dogs have an effect on them,” said Kinser.

Aagin and Dandi even help students who are afraid of dogs. While working with the dogs, these students learn “not all dogs are bad,” said Kinser.

Before school let out for winter break, Kinser gave each of her regular students notebooks with dogs on them. The students are encouraged to write about or draw the dogs. “It’s just a way to connect with the dogs.”

Kinser and the dogs will participate in spirit days at Abingdon. One year, Kinser and her beagle Blossom dressed as the Grinch and the Grinch’s dog, Max. Another year, she dressed as the conductor from “The Polar Express” and helped students off the bus. More recently, Kinser and Dandi dressed in pajamas for Pajama Day.

“I have fun with the dogs,” she said.

During the pandemic, Kinser held dog therapy sessions over Zoom. At this time, Kinser was nursing Dandi back to health at home after the dog arrived at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society pregnant and very sick. Kinser showed the children the puppies’ progress each week until they were ready to be adopted.

“It kept the kids involved with the dogs,” said Kinser.

During this time, she also held virtual outdoor field trips by showing students different elements of the natural world, like squirrels’ nests and fungi. She would also hold dance parties with students and her animals over Zoom.

“We found a way to make therapy work for Covid,” said Kinser.

When she is not at Abingdon, Kinser can be found volunteering at GMHS shelter as a dog groomer. Also, a talented seamstress, Kinser raised thousands for the shelter during the pandemic by making and selling masks.

Kinser is also heavily involved in the Glen Highland Border Collie Rescue, a nonprofit located in Ware Neck. There, she acts as an assistant veterinary technician, groomer and an extra set of hands for whatever the organization may need.

Every week, the students and staff of Abingdon are happy to see Kinser with either Aagin or Dandi for some much-needed dog therapy.