Quaker Valley student, service dog become beloved duo in school district

Seeing a brown, curly-haired poodle donning a black cap and gown with gold cords at a high school’s graduation would look out of the ordinary, but in Quaker Valley School District it was a familiar sight.

The 10-year-old poodle named Copper had a reason to celebrate as he was the first service animal to come through the district. He helped guide his owner and best friend Emily Pawloski throughout her time at the school when her family first moved from Atlanta to Sewickley in 2010.

The 20-year-old graduate of Quaker Valley has a rare epilepsy condition. Having Copper by her side helped ensure she stayed safe, but also encouraged a sense of independence for Emily Pawloski, according to her mom, Gretchen Pawloski.

“Everywhere she goes, he goes,” she said.

The family was given a standard poodle as a service animal because they are hypoallergenic, which would not pose a threat to students.

“There was a lot of apprehension and uncertainty at first about having a service animal because it was new for the school district,” said Lauren Baierl, assistant Quaker Valley Middle School principal. Baierl interacted with Emily Pawloski during her time at Edgeworth Elementary and at the middle school.

Staff members worked hard to educate themselves and the student body about Copper and his duties throughout the school day.

“I thought the school did a great job providing her support and welcoming additional support,” Baierl said.

Gretchen Pawloski said the family looked at 18 schools/districts before ultimately choosing Quaker Valley. She and her husband, David Pawloski, were upfront to schools about their daughter’s condition and the need for Copper to be with her at all times.

“We are really happy with our experience,” she said.

Students were respectful when Copper wore his vest to let people know he was on duty, but Emily Pawloski was open to students petting him if they asked.

Jason Harrison, a learning support teacher at Quaker Valley Middle School, said Copper was never a problem as he transitioned to each building with Emily Pawloski.

“It was a very positive environment, and Copper was always doing his job,” Harrison said.

David Pawloski said Copper helped make Emily become special in a good way.

“They became a famous duo in the school,” he said.

The experience created an inclusive environment for the well-known duo Emily and Copper. The school put Copper next to Emily Pawloski in every yearbook and students would say hello to the pair when they would ride by in the car.

”They treated him like their very own student,” Gretchen Pawloski said.

When the pair graduated together on stage this year, Gretchen Pawloski teared up.

“It helped bring this idea that Copper was like every other student graduating while he was with Emily. It was so sweet,” she said.