TV6 | WLUC: St. Ignace Area Schools welcomes Zebra K9 Nova

Nova is a 1-year-old Black Labrador Retriever and Monday marked her first day as the new safety dog at the school district

January 22, 2024 |Marquette, MI

Saint Ignace Area Schools is welcoming a four-legged addition.

Nova is a 1-year-old Black Labrador Retriever and Monday marked her first day as the new safety dog at the school district.

Nova is a member of the Michigan-based organization Zebra K9, an agency that provides K9-based security services.

Zebra K9 is currently in six Michigan school districts. President and CEO Greg Guidice said St. Ignace is the organization’s first school in the Upper Peninsula.

“We’re very excited about being in the U.P., having St. Ignace be our first school,” Guidice said. “We take our role very seriously; the safety and well-being of students is our top priority.”

Nova’s primary responsibility is detecting firearms and explosives. But Guidice explained Nova also provides emotional support for students.

Students will be able to pet and interact with Nova during school hours.

St. Ignace Area Schools Superintendent Kari Visnaw said she’s already seeing a difference.

“It was really great to see our high school students have the ability to come in and see this enhancement for the first time,” Visnaw said. “Lots of smiles, and we really look forward to the connections that this team’s going to bring to our district.”

Nova will patrol LaSalle High School and St. Ignace Elementary and Middle School throughout the day.

Handler and St. Ignace Resident Jessica Myjak explained she and Nova have been together for three weeks. She said she’s excited to give back to her community.

“I love it,” Myjak said. “Watching the dog work, watching the kids interact with her, it makes my day. Seeing them all come in and smile and being able to pet her, and watching her work, she loves to work.”

Click here to learn more about Zebra K9.