Family is Furever.

Written by: the entire staff at The Oracle

    On Monday evening, Sparta High suffered the scare of an accident endured by two of the dearest members to the Spartan family. Our therapy dogs, who graciously entered the halls of SHS in 2014 and then in 2016 were the victims of a horrible accident. Franc, our older member was struck by a vehicle and passed, while Stanley was left in critical condition. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle continued on in the road, leaving our two friends and our hearts suffering.

    Franc and Stanley brightened the faces of everyone, whether we visited them when we felt under the weather or when they escaped their humble abode and ran through our soccer game in gym class. The pups even attended freshman orientation to greet incoming students and make them feel welcome in their new school. No words can even describe the devastation of this situation. At only three years old, Franc was taken from Sparta High way too soon. Co-op student Lenny Fontes who works in the guidance office said, “Franc and Stanley have done so much for the students of Sparta High School. They were always there for anyone who needed them and they never failed to provide the students with a countless amount of laughs, memories, and love. They were a big part of this school and Franc will be missed dearly, hopefully Stanley can be back on the job as soon as next week.” Whether students suffer serious emotional troubles or just needed a pick-me-up, the therapy dogs are waiting with friendly faces and a gentle disposition in the guidance office to make anyone feel better. Any Spartan could tell you that the therapy dogs brighten their day at least once during their time at Sparta High School. Now that one is gone and the other suffering, a hole lies where they used to be, and a light has gone out in students’ lives. On Tuesday night, Instagram and other social media sites were flooded with pictures of the pups, for they have made an impact on so many of us. Franc and Stanley have made a lasting impact on the SHS community, and Franc will most definitely never be forgotten.

We surely marveled at the idea of getting yet another therapy dog this year, and our wishes were fulfilled. Stanley underwent surgery and the student body is sending their best wishes in hopes of a speedy recovery. Stanley suffered a damaged tear duct and may not have vision in his left eye, but he can structure cognitively.

    Ms.Konwiser, we cannot thank you enough for being a mother to the two pups and giving them a huge family, the students of SHS. Thank you for going through training to make them appropriate to be certified therapy dogs.Thank you for showing them love and making them excited to come to work everyday. Ms.Konwiser has done a great deed bringing these dogs into the Sparta High School family, for they have gone on to become some of the school’s most iconic members. They will go down in history as fighters of stress and fountains of happiness.

Thank you to Mrs.Graham's photography classes for the wonderful photos of Franc. Credit to Noelle Vallario and Billy L.