ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WLNE) — Attleborough Public Schools announced Monday that Thatcher Elementary School has welcomed a new therapy dog, Macy the Goldendoodle. 5-month-old Macy was first introduced to the school on Nov. 6, and has since helped influence students with their behavior plan, in which they can earn time with the dog for meeting requirements. “She has already made a huge impact,” Thatcher Elementary School Principal Rich said. Attleborough Public Schools said Macy “will be especially beneficial” for Thatcher Elementary School’s programs for medically fragile students and students with a primary diagnoses for autism. “We plan to use her to help with students with anxiety who may be struggling to come to school or struggling with their emotions in school,” Thatcher Elementary School Assistant Principal Desautel said. “There are many possibilities that we plan to explore. We would like to investigate having Macy help increase students’ social skills, empathy, patience, and kindness.” Another possibility is a “Read to Macy” program, which would aim to help struggling students read to the Goldendoodle. On Dec. 2, Macy will begin a 10-day training program. “She will be attending a full training beginning the first week of December, but we’ve had her coming to school to help her get used to all the noises, smells, and general hustle and bustle of the school,” Rich said. After completion of the program, Attleborough Public Schools said she will then be available daily to support students and faculty, as well as help create a calm environment.  Macy is set to become a permanent member after the winter holiday break. Categories: Attleboro, Massachusetts, News