Pet Smart

Some students with disabilities find that skilled companion dogs can help them achieve their goals. But schools don't always welcome the animals.

Stafford, Va.

Satin, a 5-year-old golden retriever-Labrador mix, is a teaching tool on four legs.

So say Melodee and John Garvin of Stafford, Va., who asked their local school district to allow the dog to accompany their daughter Sarah to her middle school speech class last school year.

The school district where Sarah, 16, attends classes, however, disagrees. Satin is not necessary to fulfill the terms of Sarah’s individualized education program, the parents...