Bulldog Bark Squad

The Bulldog Bark Squad is a group of specially trained therapy and support dogs serving the Mason Public Schools.

Established in 2023 with two Labradoodle puppies, Lewis and Sully, the Bark Squad members work with their trained handlers to provide academic and social-emotional support to students and staff.

Lewis, and his host/handler Krista Sherman, are based at Mason High School while Sully and his host/handler, Erik Cargill, are at Mason Middle School.

In 2024, Coco joined the Bark Squad with her host/handler Kathleen VanFleet at North Aurelius Elementary. 

The program is supported by sponsors Deb Dansby, the owner of Dog Gone Fun in Okemos, the Mark Voss Agency- Farm Bureau Insurance and the Rotary Club of Mason. Canines for Change supports the Bulldog Bark Squad members and their host/handlers by offering training, puppy raising and additional resources.