On Feb. 12, 2025, the PawZone therapy dogs will be returning to the school. At least eight teams of handlers and dogs will make visits around the school.
The dogs visited the school last year, but have yet to return this year. During fifth period, the dogs will be taken around the school and visit different classes. Teachers could use a Google form to sign up. The advanced yearbook students will be acting as tour guides.
Senior Bailey Diehl is an advanced yearbook student and thinks this will be a new way to spread joy, but it will take responsibility.
“I think it is a good opportunity to experience something new,” Diehl said. “ I love animals. There is definitely a sense of calm when you have a dog around. I am excited.”
The dogs are certified therapy dogs. They are brought into the school in hope to relieve stress of students. While there were many different teachers who requested a visit from the dogs, there was a common reason for it.
Both Alyssa Rumberger and Heather Partsch requested a visit from the therapy dogs.
Rumberger believes it provides a much needed break in the day.
“I think it’s a nice break from their [students] classes,” Rumberger said. “It usually ends up being a bright spot in their [students] day, where they can relax a little bit and get some time to refocus before going back to class.”
Partsch feels similarly and encourages visits from dogs as it is scientifically proven to help.
“Science has proven that anytime you interact with a dog it reduces your stress hormones and releases other hormones that make you happy,” Partsch said. “In the middle of a day, having dogs come in can be a real game changer, especially for a student who’s having a hard day.”
Therapy dogs have multiple benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, therapy dogs improve moods, behaviors and health. Students who have spent time with the dogs last year felt this improvement.
“I like spending time with dogs,” Sophomore Darby Hollen said. “I think it is a fun thing to do and makes your day better. They provide a calming atmosphere that allows people to feel calm around them. I think it helps with the stressful environment school gives.”
Dogs previously would visit the library and lunch periods. Changes in schedules didn’t allow time for library visits this year. While the dogs have not yet visited this year, freshman students have expectations and are looking forward to what the dogs may bring to the school.
“I feel like I would be happier to have dogs with us in the school,” freshman Adelyn Nelson said. “I feel like it is a good opportunity for students to have a little extra emotional support.”
