Sandy the therapy dog visited Lehigh Career & Technical Institute in September.

SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. — She’s little, but that didn’t stop Sandy the therapy dog from having a big impact when she visited Lehigh Career & Technical Institute this week. The 6-year-old miniature dachshund drew coos of adoration or affectionate pats Thursday [Sept. 11, 2025] from students and staff in every classroom, hallway and office across campus.

Sandy’s handler, Ronald Rittenhouse, is a volunteer with Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs, an organization dedicated to sharing the pleasure of a dog’s company with people at hospitals, schools and other institutions. Rittenhouse and other volunteers stop by LCTI at least once a month at no cost to the school.

The therapy dogs have trading cards that feature their photo on one side and fun facts about them on the other. Sandy’s card reveals that she resides in Palmer Township, enjoys long car rides and prefers toys shaped like chipmunks and squirrels.