Meet Rosebud. Rosebud is a therapy puppy in training. Her care-taker is Counselor Theresa Stevens.

According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, having a dog present in a classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.

The simple act of petting a dog has the effect of lowering blood pressure and heart rate, the NIH study noted. Pet therapy also lowers stress hormones, like cortisol, and increases oxytocin. Being in contact with a therapy dog calms kids down when they’re upset and helps keep their anxiety at bay, the study said, adding that reducing feelings of anxiety and/or depression enables students to better focus on learning.

The NIH study also stressed: “The presence of a dog in an educational setting seems to support concentration, attention, motivation, and relaxation, reflecting the reduction of high-stress levels which inhibit effective learning and performance.”

Counselors

About the Counselor

Brian Galaviz

Counselor

Shanica Burrell

Counselor

Theresa Stevens

Counselor

Rosebud

Therapy Dog in Training