So long, Snickers

CLYDE — Snickers was more than just a therapy dog. Snickers McPherson Hilliker said goodbye to McPherson Middle School after he retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Months later, he said goodbye to loved ones as well after "crossing the rainbow bridge," a phrase used to describe the passing of a beloved pet. Snickers, a German wire-haired labradoodle-pointer mix, passed away in August. He worked alongside his owner, McPherson Middle School's former counselor, Amy Hilliker. The duo retired together after Snickers' 14 years of service and Amy's 23 years. Middle school principal Ryan Fretz described Snickers' impact at the school as endless. "You would have students that need reasons to come to school, and Snickers was the reason for a number of students," Fretz said. Fretz said he has had instances of students running late to class because they stopped to say 'hello' to Snickers, and others who had such a bond with him that they would rather eat lunch with him rather than their friends in the cafeteria. Amy said Snickers brightened the mood during his time in the building. "He brought the sense of 'It's going to be OK,'" Amy said. "He was just furry and friendly and didn't have moods like people do. His mood was always happy and content." Salute to Snickers To honor him, on Sunday, the middle school hosted about 70 friends, family, staff members, students and furry friends for a celebration-of-life ceremony. "Snickers was more than just a therapy dog," Fretz said to those gathered. "He was a listener, comforter, a friend and a gentle reminder to all of us that kindness doesn't always need words." After Fretz's opening remarks, the school's new counselor, Savannah Long, read the "Rainbow Bridge" story. It describes what happens to pets when they die: They run and play with other departed four-legged friends as they wait to be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. Long reminded the Hilliker family that they will meet Snickers again someday, but until then, his spirit remains in those he touched. The school planted a dogwood tree with a plaque in honor of Snickers in its courtyard. It is stationed next to a tree that was previously planted in memory of a former school staff member and friend of Snickers, Judy "Chud" Chudzinski. "She would make him homemade treats every Thursday," Amy said. "If we weren't here, she would put them on the handle of my office door and he would race in here to get them." Amy reflected on the times she and Snickers would visit Chudzinski at her Fremont home. Snickers and her dog would play in the yard as she sat with Chudzinski. Fretz said Snickers and Chudzinski's friendship was built on loyalty, laughter and plenty of snacks. Buried under Snickers' tree are momentos of the two's friendship, including a stuffed toy gifted to Snickers by Chudzinski. Sharing memories Before the audience shared their memories, Fretz read stories from those who could not attend: • A group of students enjoyed their time saying, "Hello" to Snickers in the hallway. • Another student said she liked it when her class "wasted time" feeding him treats. • Fretz reminisced on the time he stole his donuts and walked around with a napkin stuck to his nose. • Another staff member remembered the time he peed on her Christmas tree. Robert Selvey, a current teacher and attendee of the ceremony, shared his unique perspective as a former student and coworker of Snickers. Selvey was a homeschooled student before entering Clyde-Green Springs Schools. He spent a lot of time with Snickers as a new student. When he took a teaching position at the school, Selvey said he was excited to spend more time with his "little buddy." "Fast forward years later, I come back as a teacher, and I got to see both angles," Selvey said. "How he impacted the lives of the students and also the teacher's side of it too." Chad Hilliker, husband to Amy Hilliker, reflected on the family's first days with Snickers. He said he had no idea the family was getting the addition. Only a few days into being a part of the family, when Chad was out of the house, Amy decided to take Snickers for a walk. When Chad returned, he learned Amy and Snickers both fell due to slippery conditions and the family believed his leg was broken. With stories like this in mind, Chad still described Snickers as "the best dog ever." The event closed with the Hilliker family spreading Snickers' ashes around his and Chudzinski's trees, a closing poem from a current middle school student, Christian Fretz, and Amy gifting the new counselor a basket of dog supplies and Snickers memorabilia as a way to pass on the torch. As visitors said their goodbyes, they looked through a scrapbook of Snickers memories and grabbed a Snickers candy bar on their way out.