Middleburg Academy's service dog in training, Rocco, was seen lunching recently in the school dining hall with his student puppy raisers and Corey Hudson, CEO of Canine Companions for Independence, with national headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA (where Rocco was born and bred). Mr. Hudson (left) was traveling the east coast with Debbie Dougherty, Director of the Northeast Region (standing right), and visiting with CCI organizations and individuals.

While other schools do have service puppies, Middleburg Academy has an especially well-structured program with a student club highly involved in Rocco's training. Seated with Rocco is Librarian/Media Specialist Janie Banse, faculty co-moderator of "The Puppy Club."