Program Brings Service Dogs To New Jersey Special Needs School

WHIPPANY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A school for students with special needs is getting help from two service dogs in a one-of-a-kind program.

As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, Cali and Cleo take their jobs seriously.

Cali, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, is trained to walk up to students at the Calais School and detect signs of the stress hormone Cortisol, which is secreted when a person gets anxious.

"She gets really close. If their mouth isn't open she's going to go to the nose," explained teacher Casey Butler.

Butler is also trained and certified to handle Cali.

"Say you were really stressed and on the verge of a meltdown or outburst, she would actually walk directly away from you and stand behind me," she said.

The gesture, though subtle, is important at the special needs school in Whippany, New Jersey.

"They come in with social anxiety issues such as school phobia, communication disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD," said Principal Dr. Diane Manno.

If the kids are calm, Cali sits or lays down next to them.

"I think she's very beautiful," said 16-year-old student Robert. (How does she make you feel?) I think she makes me feel very glad and very supportive."

"She kind of tells you in a way, that you are going to be OK," said student Darrin.

The 2-year-old dog checked out CBS2's camera man and Sloan, finding her a bit stressed. But the kids did great, Sloan reported.

"She's awesome," Joy said.

Cleo interacts with students and lets them read without being judged.

"Cleo and I are real close. She's really nice," said student Jake.

Now, the school is hoping to get a third dog to help with students.

The dogs are provided to the school by the Merlin Kids Organization.

Cali's handler said the training process is complicated, but the dog's just seem to know when something is wrong.