Published September 29, 2026
Pearl Gets a Little Brother Article Link
TOTOWA, NJ -From helping reluctant readers pick up a book to providing students with a quiet moment during a stressful school day, Pearl, a therapy dog with the Northern Region Educational Services Commission (NRESC), has become an increasingly familiar presence at schools and community programs throughout Passaic County.
Now, with demand for her visits growing, NRESC is preparing to welcome a second therapy dog: Pearl's younger brother, Blu.
Born September 13, Blu is expected to arrive in New Jersey in February or March 2027 and begin working after completing his training in Virginia. His addition is being supported by a $5,000 grant from the Giants Foundation, which will help cover breeding, training and related expenses.
Blu is being raised and trained by Much Ado About Doodles in Virginia, the same provider NRESC used for Pearl. The two dogs share the same parents, and Blu's name honors the Giants Foundation.
NRESC Superintendent Dr. Nicholas Vancheri said the decision to expand the program comes as Pearl enters her second year and her schedule continues to fill with visits to schools, community organizations and NRESC-operated programs.
“We've had such a great response that definitely the need is there to increase based on new contracts,” Vancheri said.
Vancheri said the NRESC Education Foundation applied to the Giants Foundation after exploring grants from local sports organizations. The award will help cover the costs of bringing Blu into the program.
Once he arrives, Blu will be paired with NRESC Human Resources Coordinator Gleny Gaines, a Totowa resident who will serve as his handler.
Gaines said her interest in the role was inspired by her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. Her family previously explored obtaining a dog through a specialized program but encountered a lengthy waiting list.
“When the opportunity presented itself, I ran with it,” Gaines said.
Gaines looks forward to seeing how Blu can help students, particularly those who may be uncomfortable opening up to teachers or counselors.
Blu is expected to help NRESC accommodate additional requests from schools and organizations as Pearl's schedule continues to fill.
Pearl currently visits 
John P. Holland Charter School twice a week, provides support at Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) and participates in the Totowa Public Library's Paws & Pages program twice a month. She also visits NRESC programs, including Second Home in Totowa, its daycare center in Pompton Lakes and before- and after-school programs.
Vancheri said NRESC developed its therapy dog program after learning from Clifton's approach, with the goal of offering similar services to school districts that might not have the resources or personnel to maintain their own therapy dogs.
As interest has grown, the commission has begun exploring additional opportunities, including discussions with the Wanaque school district.
For Pearl's handler, Ayanna Thorne, the program's value lies in adapting each visit to the needs of the people she serves.
At John P. Holland, students can spend time with Pearl in the school's counseling area, where they have an opportunity to relax, pet her or talk about what is troubling them. At PCTI, Pearl visits a wellness room where students can take a break from academic and personal pressures.
Thorne recalled a high school student who began discussing her academic anxiety while petting Pearl. She said the dog's presence can make it easier for students to open up without feeling pressured to speak.
At John P. Holland, founder Dr. Christina Scano said Pearl has begun her second year of twice-weekly visits, which include reading sessions and opportunities for students to spend time with her during stressful periods.
“Staff members have observed a noticeable reduction in stress levels among students, with many expressing how much they look forward to her visits,” Dr. Scano said. “The presence of a therapy dog has fostered a more relaxed and supportive atmosphere, encouraging students to open up and share their feelings.”
Dr. Scano also described a student who had initially been withdrawn and hesitant to interact with peers. After spending time with Pearl, the student became more willing to participate in group activities, developed friendships and became more involved in the school community.
John P. Holland has expressed interest in expanding its participation when Blu joins the program.
At the Totowa Public Library, Pearl's visits offer a different experience, particularly for young children learning to enjoy books and develop confidence reading aloud.
Library Director Anne Krautheim partnered with NRESC to introduce Paws & Pages, which brings Pearl to the library twice a month. During sessions, children gather in a circle, pet Pearl and listen to stories about her latest adventures.
Younger children listen as Thorne reads aloud, while older participants have opportunities to read directly to Pearl.
“Reading to a therapy dog gives a child a calm and welcoming place to practice reading aloud — it is enjoyable, low pressure and fun,” Krautheim said.
Children's librarian Jaimie Santos said some children who are initially hesitant to read aloud become eager to participate when Pearl is present.
“They love picking out special books to read to her and are eager to take turns sharing stories,” Santos said. “She is so friendly, patient, and super cute, and that makes reading feel less intimidating and more enjoyable.”
Pearl has also appeared at the library's Teeny Tot Tales & Fun program for children ages 1 to 5, giving younger participants an opportunity to listen to stories while interacting with her.
NRESC plans to use Blu primarily to accommodate additional requests from schools and organizations, although he may also share some of Pearl's existing responsibilities. Vancheri said having two dogs will allow the commission to offer more flexibility as the program grows.
For Thorne, the expansion means Pearl will have a familiar companion when the two dogs participate in larger events together.
“Now she has somebody to go with her, and she has her brother, and they're the little furry tag team,” Thorne said.