by Ann Miller
Our Midland.com

Joey Dale walked into the room without so much as a smile. Another Friday, another day of class. That was until he saw Ralphie.
"If he’s here ... I like the days better," said the Floyd Elementary kindergartner.
And why shouldn’t he? Ralphie, a white hypoallergenic, non-shedding bichon frise, adds character to Dale’s classroom. The students all light up when they see the dog.
"Good boy," Dale said as he petted Ralphie. "He’s so happy."
Floyd special education teacher Dana Nolan first started bringing her dog Ralphie to school in 2000, when she taught at Bullock Creek Elementary; now Floyd students are graced with his presence. Nolan, who has been actively involved in two animal rescue groups since 2002, did some research and found that incorporating a dog into the classroom has its benefits.

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http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17730438&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6