ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Gladstone nonprofit Project Be the Shield is raising money to put some special dogs in schools to keep students safe.
“Most schools have different layers of security,” said Marla May, Project Be the Shield board president. “They might have locks on doors, some schools have metal detectors, but we know that kids are drawn to dogs.”
Through Project Be the Shield, dogs can become one of those security methods.
“It came about as a vision from Canine Connection about really getting guardian dogs into schools for just another layer of protection against active shooters,” May explained.
The dogs can detect weapons and take down an active threat. The presence of a guardian dog can also deter potential threats.
On Wednesday, Cat-Man-Do’s in Escanaba dedicated its monthly fundraiser to the nonprofit. Canine Connection put on “bite work” demonstrations, featuring dogs Soul and Chet.
“[It’s] how they would actually take down an active threat—so an active shooter or somebody who is carrying a gun and threatening a school,” said May. “These dogs are puppies. They’re still learning, but it’s a good example of what these dogs can do once they’re fully trained.”
The fundraiser brought in just over $3,000. With that money, Project Be the Shield hopes to continue educating the public through demonstrations and to raise enough money to equip schools with fully-trained dogs.
“We also partner with an organization called Skool Dogs,” May said. “They actually have three dogs that are placed in schools in other states. If we get some really good donors or can partner with some corporate organizations to get these dogs in, that would be great. The sky’s the limit, right? We’re just getting started!”
May says the dogs are brave enough to attack and deter a threat while being gentle and loyal enough to protect children.
“It just helps them feel more secure having a dog around,” she said. “I’m a nurse by trade, and we already know that therapy dogs have a great impact on a person’s mental health, and this will also have that same kind of effect.”
To learn more about Project Be the Shield or to make a donation, visit projectbetheshield.org or call (608) 212-0595. Follow the nonprofit on Facebook or Instagram for updates and information on future demonstrations.
