NEWTON FALLS — After a school year full of adjustments adapting to the coronavirus pandemic, the Newton Falls school district added two staff members to provide comfort, support and unconditional love — of the canine kind.

During a special meeting Thursday, Board of Education members were introduced to Albus Dumbledore and Junie B. Jones, two sibling Labradoodle puppies who were approved as therapy and comfort dogs for students and staff.

Rachael Rankin, assistant high school / junior high principal, who has Albus, and Justin Christopher, elementary / middle school principal, who has Junie, showed the two 9-week-old puppies to board members and the public.

“Both dogs have been with us for a week,” Rankin said. “It has been a lot of fun already having them here at school. You can tell how they really boost morale when they walk into a room. Everyone is excited to see the puppies and they are happy to see everybody.”

She said the puppies will be with the principal, guidance counselors or social worker who have a place in each office for the dogs.

Superintendent Rocco Adduci said the principals and the dogs have been attending therapy training and soon will have several weeks of obedience training in Hiram on Saturdays.

“We thank you for taking care of them and bringing them back and forth to school and for also going through the training with them. The dogs will be able to help our kids,” he said.

Board President Amie Crowder said the board and administration did research on therapy dogs over a year ago and are pleased “this dream has come true.”

She said they spoke with individuals who train and have therapy dogs used at hospitals and also veterinarians on what breed of dog they would recommend.

“Because of the structure of their framework and texture of their coats, which is ideal in case someone has an allergy, they have great adaptability with their personalities. These dogs are great to have for de-stressing,” Crowder said.

Rankin said the dogs can be used for small group sessions with social workers and guidance counselors.

“The dogs will attend all community events we have at the school. They will be a part of the district just like all any staff member would be,” she said.

Officials said each dog cost $1,500 and was covered by grants, general funds and School Quality Improvement funds. Rankin said the dogs were both named after book characters: Albus Dumbledore is a wizard in the Harry Potter series and Junie B. Jones is the main character in a series by Barbara Park.

Gianna Stimpert, 10, a fifth-grader, said she is excited to be with Junie at the middle school this year and then next year with Albus at the junior high.