By Dana Dogget
Round Table reporter

There are 1,323 students attending Middletown High School, 1,323 students wandering down the white hallways splashed with red, orange, black, and maroon lockers, 1,323 students attending classes ranging from agriculture to jewelry making to AP physics, 1,323 students socializing, laughing, and learning.

Well, 1,322 students and one dog.

Xavier is the companion dog of MHS freshman Claire Menke. Menke adopted the 78-pound English Golden Retriever from Xavier University in Ohio four years ago.

Menke did not personally choose Xavier; instead, they were paired up based on Menke’s needs in her wheelchair. Xavier then received training to compensate for Menke’s needs. One might say they were made for each other.

Xavier was named by the staff at the university. Menke was given the choice to change it when she adopted him, but she said, “With a name like Xavier, I didn’t want to.”

Three years after Menke and Xavier were united, they started high school together. He obediently follows her around MHS, helping her in any way he can.

“He opens doors for her, he picks up things she drops, he takes her shoes off, and he gets help if she needs it,” said MHS special education teacher Jaime Pryor.

MHS instructional aide Aubrey Pfau assists Menke and Xavier with their classes during the school day. Together they attend English, art, and introduction to chemistry and physics.

Pfau said Menke commands Xavier to go “under” and he settles underneath her desk for the entire duration of class, 90 minutes. “You might think he was asleep, but he just lays there with his eyes open,” said Pfau.

“He doesn’t really notice the other students around,” said Pryor, but she said he will not hesitate to defend Menke if he feels someone is threatening her.

Menke said when Xavier is at the school, “He only wants to work.” She said even when they visit during the summer months, he is alert and ready for the job. “When he’s at the school and not working, he gets upset,” she said.

Both Pfau and Pryor said Xavier is loyal, protective, and attentive.

“When he’s working, he’s very calm and behaves well,” said Menke.

“He’s very in tune to Claire,” said Pfau. “If he hears the click of her wheelchair, he’s up and ready to go.”

Though it is a temptation to some, MHS students are prohibited to pet, play with, or feed Xavier.

“The students love him,” said Pfau, but she said they understand they must keep their distance during school hours.

“The students follow the rules,” said Pryor.

Xavier is on “duty” protecting and caring for Menke until the school day ends. Pfau said after third period he loosens up a bit.

“That’s when he gets his love,” said Pfau.

Menke said Xavier’s behavior at home is completely different than when he is at the high school.

“He plays around, he rolls on his back,” said Menke. “My favorite thing to do is play with him.”

Menke said she loves her connection with Xavier and enjoys that he is allowed to go to school with her.

“During the HSA testing week, I left Xavier at home because it would be too distracting for me. When he wasn’t there, I felt lost without him.”

MHS has readily accepted Xavier as part of its student body.

“He even has his own school ID. His picture should be in the yearbook,” said Pryor.

There are 1,323 students at Middletown High School experiencing and learning every day. If they pay attention to two students in particular, they will learn an important life lesson: true friendship and selfless companionship, taught by a girl and her dog.