Sheckler Elementary School students this past school year had a special visitor.

Sirius, a golden retriever owned by Coplay resident Charlene Piskula, visited the classroom of Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 teacher Jenna Notareschi on a weekly basis.

Sirius, a therapy dog, had a mission: to bring a sense of comfort and joy to the students and assist them with everyday tasks and chores.

Notareschi said Sirius assisted the students in her class with various life skills such as hygiene, communication and reading.

"Since Sirius arrived, we have seen many changes in interactions between the students and Sirius," she said. "Some students are afraid upon the arrival of Sirius, however, since our visits began, the amount of time it takes to warm up and become comfortable with Sirius has decreased. As our visits continued, we have expanded on the skills that we work on while Sirius is in the classroom."

Piskula said she raised her pet for the Seeing Eye Program of Mooristown, N.J. According to Piskula, she initially intended to use him as a Seeing Eye dog, but he did not meet the requirements.

She said she then began thinking of other ways Sirius could make a difference in the lives of others.

"At 16 months of age, I enrolled him in Therapy Dog International," she said. "His training as a Seeing Eye puppy gave him a head start with the qualifications for the TDI program. He passed his test with flying colors. We were off to change the world."

Sirius is a regular around the Lehigh Valley, Piskula said. His biggest clients are found in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network.

It's not unusual for Sirius to immediately connect with patients in need.

"He is the absolute favorite of the Muhlenberg site," Piskula said. "He has a sixth sense about patients receiving cancer treatment for the first time. He jumps in bed with the patient, snuggles ever so close or lays himself across their lap, sucking all that fear right out of the patient."

However, it's at Sheckler that Sirius immediately springs into action, not only providing therapy to the students but also the teaching and support staff.

"The kids and staff at Sheckler and myself have experienced the deep-down love Sirius has for all mankind," Piskula said. "To have a student removed from the classroom because of his fear of dogs and then two hours later he is laying on Sirius' belly is like a miracle from heaven."

Piskula said the love and compassion Sirius wants to share with humans is endless as he cares deeply for all of those he comes in contact with.

"Sirius is special because he wants to be everybody's friend whether you want to or not." she said. "His heart is 100 percent people-oriented and that has him connecting instantly with those who need a special touch from a furry four-legged creature."

According to Piskula, Sirius was recently certified to visit the LVHN inpatient hospice unit at 17th and Chew streets, Allentown.

Sirius, Piskula said, has no plans for early retirement. He will continue to visit with those in need of a special touch.

"I believe Sirius has a lot of years to offer that unconditional love and kindness as a therapy dog to all those in need," she said.

Notareschi said she plans to invite Sirius back into her classroom during the 2014-15 academic year.

"The relationships that have been made between the students, staff, Sirius and Charlene are truly special and beyond measure," she said.