This 10-week-old puppy is delighting students at Scranton Prep

SCRANTON — A small, brown and white puppy is bringing big smiles to students, staff and faculty at Scranton Preparatory School.

Espe, a 10-week-old female mini goldendoodle, arrived April 29 and will provide comfort and stress relief to students at the school. She primarily hangs out in places students gather, including the president’s office, counseling suite and campus ministry office, but does greet students at the front entrance when they arrive for the day.

On Wednesday, Espe playfully wandered around the president’s office, greeting students hanging out there who petted her and gave her a squeaky plush toy of the Lamb Chop sock puppet.

Prep President Rev. Angelo Joseph “A.J.” Rizzo, S.J., had the idea to bring a dog to the school, a dream he’s had throughout his educational career. He said research shows that dogs in schools reduce anxiety and depression and increase learning and productivity among students.

Espe also makes the school feel more like home.

“Dogs’ emotional intelligence is so high. They can tell when people are having a bad day and cheer them up,” he said. “Having Espe here with us will help develop that culture of home and family that we’re really proud of.”

Her name, Latin for “hope,” was selected by senior Blake Decker, who won a contest to choose the puppy’s name. It is also similar to the school’s initials.

Posie Granet, the school’s alumni director, and her husband Dr. Jason Granet got Espe from a Goldendoodle breeder in the Lancaster area.

Since her arrival last month, Espe has visited the school once a week to get used to socializing with students and staff. Rizzo said she will come five days a week next school year. Char Jeffers, assistant to the school’s principal, and her husband, Dave, take care of her outside of school.

“We want her to be socialized ... being around a lot of people,” Rizzo said.

Students said she is loved at the school.

“You can’t help but stop by (the president’s office) when she’s here,” said junior Sofia Mariotti.

The delight she brings to students boosts their day. Rizzo said Dean of Students Corey Henfling told him some students he hasn’t seen smile in a while have lit up when she’s around.

“She’s already having a positive impact on our student body,” Rizzo said.

Espe also brought students together and allowed them to meet their peers. Junior Sophia Cordaro said she’s met several new people spending time with her.

“I think the instant boost of happiness when we see her walk through the door ... just changes everyone’s day,” said fellow junior Annabeth Bernard.