MAHOPAC FALLS-"Boo-Boo" is working miracles for a group of six children with extra learning needs at the Austin Road Elementary School in Mahopac.

"Boo-Boo" is a Labrador mix owned by Lisa Edwards of Carmel who is trainer for the Delta Foundation-an organization that improves human health through service and therapy animals.

Each week "Boo-Boo" visits Penny Wieser's class consisting of first and second graders. Last September, Wieser applied for a therapy dog to implement her teaching program. "I did some reading on the topic and figured why not? This would be a wonderful attribute for the children since research has proven that dogs can be helpful with anxiety and self confidence and self esteem," she said.

Wieser's eyes filled up with tears when relating the story of a little boy in her class who had been diagnosed as a selective mute until "Boo-Boo" came into his life.

"Little Marc was technically able to speak but he did not. His speech was locked up inside. During his entire life, Marc said one word 'juice.' He didn't speak at home nor did he speak last year in kindergarten. When he became a member of my class, he occasionally uttered a word when prompted but he was very excited about the dog coming to school," recalled Wieser.

One day after the dog visited, Marc's miracle happened.

April Olivieri explained: "Marc doesn't usually give me details about what happens in school but we knew something special had taken place. In his own words, Marc was full of words explaining about 'Boo-Boo.' It was so wonderful to see him so talkative and excited. He talked about petting her and how she licked him and he kissed his new friend. We are so grateful to have 'Boo-Boo' in our lives. Marc even sleeps with 'Boo-Boo's picture and he posts it on the fridge before leaving for school. It is so awesome. We thank you and the organization so much."

Edwards called it extremely rare for a therapy dog to be in a school. "Therapy dogs are most often seen in nursing homes and hospitals," she said.

Wieser proudly conformed that her class was the only one in all of Putnam County to be assigned a therapy dog: "Thanks to 'Boo-Boo' Mark is talking regularly in class. This is a miraculous breakthrough and this wonderful dog is the catalyst."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Reidy visited the class last week to meet the Austin Road School's hero: "It's so rewarding to observe how animals can change the lives of people who are disabled. The therapeutic and service role of animals in human health, service and education must be expanded. I commend Mrs. Wieser, Mrs. Edwards, the entire Austin Road School family and the Delta Society for their incredible work. Education has not only reached the 21st century. It has surpassed the 21st century in Mahopac."