Most people think school is a place of stress, anxiety, and hard work. Westlake has figured out a way to alleviate the negative traits associated with school. Therapy dogs are dogs that are trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people. 

 

Therapy dogs, and dogs in general, are proven to release a chemical called oxytocin otherwise known as the, “happy chemical.” It is scientifically proven that dog and human contact release oxytocin. Therapy dogs in school have been proven to lower anxiety, boost attendance, grades, and morale amongst students and faculty. 

 

Emma DeLouise, current sophomore, thought of this plan when her dog was certified in 7th grade for therapy purposes. Emma's sister, Samantha, was in 8th grade doing her CLP Project at the time. Emma was then inspired to do her CLP Project on therapy dogs and working to bring them into schools. 

 

According to DeLouise, she was eager to begin her project, which started in October of her 8th grade year, with hope that her peers and teachers would reap the benefits. Soon after, she met with the principal to work out the specifics including the details, when it would occur, and how students would get permission to participate. 

 

Unfortunately, things didn't work out at the time due to the Covid outbreak; however, when her 9th grade year began, DeLouise said she was “still full of ambition and worked to implement dogs into our school days,” which unfortunately wasn’t possible because of covid, resulting in her abandoning the idea. 

 

However, when she heard that another group started it as their CLP Project, DeLouise initiated her research once again and met up with Mr. Schenker who was a fan of the idea, and, in turn, became very helpful. He emailed Therapy Dogs International, and got permission to bring dogs into school. Mrs. Goldstone was also “a fan of this” and helped to get a room for students and dogs, a day of the week students can come, and how students could get permission. 

 

When the dogs were finally brought into school, both students and teachers loved it. Students walk into the room, and “their faces light up.” 

 

Mr. Marinaccio, a frequent visitor, said, “This is a great program and makes me very happy. For someone younger who experiences stress, and doesn’t have a dog at home, playing with dogs can be a nice break or even the highlight of their day.” 

 

Other teachers, such as Dr. Laterza, Mrs. Locher love visiting the dogs, and think they are great. 

DeLouise said, “When we leave the room people who didn’t know about the program swarm the dogs in the hallway, so excited to see them.” 

 

DeLouise’s mom, Christina DeLouise, was so happy she was able to bring in her therapy dog, Zeke, commenting that “it makes people very happy, I love to see how happy students get when petting Zeke.”

Zeke may not be able to return next year, but Lucy, Dave Caughlin’s dog, of Therapy Dogs International, will definitely be returning. Caughlin has said both Lucy and the kids have a wonderful time, and he loves to see people's reactions to the pair

 

Allowing therapy dogs in school is not only beneficial for students' wellbeing, but also teaches them tolerance, and empathy. Exposing students to therapy dogs and how to tolerate them is important, so they are able to differentiate them from service dogs. 

 

According to DeLouise, “Therapy dogs are NOT  service dogs. Although both go through training, service dogs are a necessity for their handlers. Service dogs are very important for their handlers health and wellbeing. For example, a guide dog guides their owner who is unable to see; therefore, distracting  them can have consequences for everyone around.”

 

Service dogs should never be pet while on duty, while therapy dogs are there specifically for people to pet. Therapy dogs help lots of people, DeLouise says, “Therapy dogs help lots of people, go to hospitals, libraries, retirement homes, cancer treatment centers, places where people can use happiness.”

 

Now, it’s your turn to reap the benefits of these furry friends. Come visit the therapy dogs before the school year ends! Stop by Mrs. Goldstone's classroom (Room 222) to get a permission slip to play with the dogs during periods 5,6, or 7 on Mondays!