A four-legged furry friend is the newest employee at Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) in Hamden.

Her name is Lily. She is a highly trained facility dog donated by the nonprofit organization Puppies Behind Bars, to support students and staff at ACES Village School.

She joins Heidi, another facility dog who visits students and staff at all 10 of ACES schools and other schools in the district.

"These dogs are so well trained that they help everyone make their life easier," said Rich Simons, security officer at ACES.

Simons is also Heidi's partner.

Lily's partner, Kim Roche, is the school social worker at ACES Village School.

"Sometimes it's easier for the students to connect with an animal instead of a person, or it helps bridge the gap with the people," Roche said.

Lily will attend more events and community outings in the near future, to continue getting used to her role.