A high school in Kansas make national headlines after the school shooting in 2022 that shook the community. Places where positive experiences, such as football games, school plays and proms, have turned into crime scenes.
Therapy dogs in schools are part of the response team. Friendly furry faces, supportive counselors, staff and parents all come together to welcome students and begin the healing process in the school community. Trained to use their therapeutic nature to ease emotions in a difficult situation, therapy dogs bring joy to students and staff.
Therapy dogs in schools to the rescue
Jennifer Cullen and Tisha Halfert, school counselors at the Kansas City school district, are part of the supportive response team when there is a loss or traumatic experience at one of the schools. Both employees own yellow doodle and work with them to bring a sense of calm to an emotional situation.
Immediately after the March 4, 2022 shooting, Tisha and Jennifer brought their Goldendoodles, Milo and Baxter to middle schools where the students were reunited with their families.
“A particular girl came looking for me and Baxter the day it happened. The dogs provided a lifeline for them,” Jennifer said.
Angie Salava, director of mental health at Olathe . Public School in Kansas, where the shooting took place. “When your sense of security is disrupted, therapy dogs can help re-establish that security and the healing process can begin.”
Therapy dogs encourage students to return to school
School administrators brought in therapy dogs, counselors, and additional police officers to ease nerves and provide comfort to students when they returned to the building. The dogs were warmly received and reassured students and staff.
“Many of our parents and students were hesitant to return to school; the dogs helped get them in the door,” said Tisha. “It helped alleviate their anxiety.”
Jennifer said: “When one of us walked into a building we didn’t know, having the dogs there broke the ice in an instant. “Children are more open to conversation at that time. With one person it takes more time. Having dogs present will open doors.
The rise of school therapy dogs
Therapy dogs are also used for programs that encourage positive behavior, to promote reading, and to relieve stressful situations in district elementary schools.
Scarlet Ross, who said that in recent years, an increasing number of professionals have certified dogs to be able to help in offices and schools. Training, testing and certifying therapy dogs locally for schools (and workplaces). Scarlet and Jennifer worked together to certify Baxter.
Therapy dogs, who provide emotional support, are different from service dogspeople who are trained to help people with disabilities.
“It’s hard to trust people, but an animal automatically wins their trust,” said Jeanette Clamppitt, principal of a neighborhood school. Henry Leavenworth Elementary School and the parents of Teddy’s dog, Bernedoodle, 4 years old. “They give unconditional love, which means the child can be himself. Dogs have that sense of calm that people tend to look for when they’re sad.”
To learn about therapy dog certification, visit International therapy dogs.
