Plainwell Community Schools Hire Therapy Dog Ginny to Sniff for Guns, Support Students Amid School Safety Concerns

New Furry Friend Greeted at Doors of Plainwell Elementary, Middle and High Schools

*PLAINWELL, MI* -- Students at Plainwell Community Schools will have a new furry friend to greet when they arrive at school. The district has contracted with Zebra K9 to hire Ginny, a gun-sniffing dog, as well as Ginny's handler, Jean Freeman, to work at the district's elementary, middle and high schools.

Ginny and Freeman started working on March 2. Ginny is a Labrador retriever certified in firearm and weapons detection, said Greg Guidice, president and CEO of Zebra K9.

While working, Ginny is sniffing for the smokeless powder inside shell casings.

"Because of the way (the dogs) have been bred and raised, they're highly socialized," Guidice said.

That allows the dogs to also provide the social, emotional component. But Ginny's primary responsibility is weapon detection, Guidice said.

Matthew Montange, PCS superintendent, said the district wanted to respond to concerns about weapons in school buildings.

"There haven't been any instances in the district where a student has brought a weapon to school," Montange said.

The district's safety task force considered physical weapon detectors at building entrances, but there were concerns that having students walk through a weapon detector would create an unwelcoming environment.

"It's not a positive way to start the day," Montange said.

Ginny starts the day at Plainwell High School, 684 Starr Road, or Plainwell Middle School, 720 Brigham St., on a rotating schedule. After monitoring the building's entrance, Ginny and Freeman do a walk through of the building then go to one of the district's elementary schools, also on a rotating schedule.

Freeman receives regular safety training and carries a side arm.

"There's a lot of positive interactions with (Ginny)" while she's working, Montange said.

Staff and students have to ask for permission to pet Ginny while she's actively sniffing for weapons. Throughout the day, Ginny does more sweeps at the district's schools and meets with students who are struggling.

Montange said the contract with Zebra K9 lasts through the end of the 2025-26 school year and ranges from $95,000 to $118,000. The final cost is dependent on how often the district employs Ginny and Freeman.

The contract is funded through a grant the district received from the state to fund safety and mental health programs.

Positive Interactions Between Students and K9 Unit

The district's approach represents a unique blend of security and emotional support, combining weapon detection with therapeutic services. The K9 unit operates alongside traditional school safety measures while providing students with an additional layer of emotional care.

Zebra K9, founded by former law enforcement officer Greg Guidice, specializes in canine teams that serve both security and behavioral support roles. The company has deployed similar programs in schools across the Midwest, adapting their approach to meet local community needs.

Funding and Implementation

The Plainwell Community Schools district received state funding specifically designed to address both school safety and mental health concerns. This grant funding allows the district to implement innovative solutions that address multiple student needs simultaneously.

The contract's flexible pricing structure means the district can adjust Ginny's schedule based on student needs and safety concerns throughout the school year. This approach ensures resources are used efficiently while maintaining consistent security presence.

"There's a lot of positive interactions with (Ginny)" while she's working, Montange said.

The program represents a thoughtful response to evolving school safety challenges, combining traditional security measures with innovative approaches that prioritize student well-being.