At the 2022 BT Gala, a Mini Australian Labradoodle was auctioned off for an astounding $12,000. This was a win-win for the BT community, as the students not only gained thousands of dollars towards their academics and athletics, but they gained an emotional support dog! This newest addition to our school community—named Raider James, or just Raider, or even RJ for short—stays with members of the BT administrative staff during the school day and is returned to its owners in the evening. In addition to his regular potty breaks, which have sometimes occurred inside school buildings (oops!), Raider James spends his days cuddling and licking students, patrolling the hallways, and learning his manners.

Despite his young age, Raider James was surprisingly forthcoming about his daily schedule and his thoughts about joining our campus when we asked him for an interview recently.

Verbatim Staff: Welcome to Brownell Talbot! Can you tell us what it was like when you first arrived on campus?

Raider James: I arrived at BT this Monday for my first day on the job. Not sure what that meant but I was thrilled to hear how many compliments I got. I explored the campus and many classrooms while they introduced me to a few students; everyone was so happy to see me! Rolling around in the dirt and chewing on wood chips was my favorite part, but it made me feel good to see how many smiles I put on these students’ faces, especially the little ones. After a long day of work, I went back home with the Gibbs family. I was so exhausted and slept through the whole night but by morning I was ready to hit the road.

“

Rolling around in the dirt and chewing on wood chips was my favorite part, but it made me feel good to see how many smiles I put on these students’ faces, especially the little ones.

— Raider James

VS: Wow, that’s a busy first day. How have things been going as you settle into more of a routine?

RJ: My daily routine so far starts with a walk outside, of course. Then I go off to school and get all my cuddles in with the students. Last Thursday I came to visit the Verbatim staff in W413, and although I may have had an accident in their classroom, it was my way of spreading love to them. I go outside again then run around in the grass for awhile, eventually I just lay down with a wood chip in my mouth. Afterwards, I stay with Dr. Gibbs in her office for awhile. Lastly, I eat my tasty meal and the whole day repeats. I have the best schedule if I say so myself.

VS: That all sounds like a lot of fun, but do you have any more serious responsibilities while you’re here on campus?

RJ: You may be thinking I’m here at BT to just stand around and look cute, but soon enough I will be training to work as a service dog. I will learn how to help the students cope with stress and anxiety. I’ll learn what manners are and how to be on my very best behavior when I’m at work. And on top of that I will still be the cutest little guy roaming around in the hallways.

VS: Well, we’re glad that you’re here, and we know that you’ll be making a big difference in the lives of students of all ages. Any parting thoughts as students prepare to leave campus for the summer?

RJ: Just to have fun and stay safe. I can’t wait to see everyone back on campus in the fall!