Congratulations to JFS therapy dog Koia and her handler, Margo Kibbler, on a remarkable achievement. Koia has recently earned the AKC Therapy Dog Supreme title, the highest honor awarded to therapy dogs by the American Kennel Club. It’s a fitting milestone to celebrate on National Therapy Animal Day.
Earning an AKC Therapy Dog title takes dedication from both dog and handler. Teams must be certified or registered through an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization and complete a set number of visits. For the Supreme title, that means reaching an impressive 600 documented visits.
Koia began her work as an AKC-certified therapy dog in January 2020, supporting students during remote learning and Wednesday SEL days at Union-Endicott. Once in-person classes resumed, she became a regular presence at the school, spending three days each week connecting with students and staff. By mid-April 2026, she reached the 600-visit milestone required for the Supreme title.
Therapy dogs like Koia play an important role in the school community. Working alongside their handlers, they help create a more supportive environment throughout the day. For students facing stress, loneliness, or difficult moments, a calm and friendly dog can offer comfort, reassurance, and a sense of connection.
Koia has become an invaluable part of the JFS team. Whether she’s greeting students in the classroom, waiting in the hallway for a quick pat between classes, or simply being present, she brings a sense of warmth that’s hard to match. It’s no surprise she’s so loved by everyone who meets her.
