Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Wisconsin schools are full of adults who love, care for, challenge, and nurture our students. Now across the state, more students have another familiar helping hand--er, paw-- to rely on.
Many educators and administrators have used support dogs in schools after traumatic events to help calm students and staff and help them process a loss or traumatic event. But what can a support dog do if they are integrated into the everyday lives of students?
In Wisconsin, teachers, schools, and districts have found creative ways to bring therapy dogs into the classroom. The stories that these therapy dogs and their handlers bring to us tell us not only about the amazing dogs themselves, but also about our fundamental needs as human beings to be comforted and to connect. In each of these stories, the path to getting the support dogs is different — who initiated the idea, how it is funded, and what kinds of things they have the dogs support.
One thing is for certain, however: Support dogs are making a difference for Wisconsin students and school staff. The needs of our students are great, and we are constantly assessing how we can best serve them. Good dogs can help us be better supporters, teachers, and humans.
Click on the headline below to explore how these Very Good Dogs have made a difference. Be prepared to say "aww," smile, and maybe even ask who is cutting onions.
- Charlee, Rookie, and Casey: How De Pere Unified School District Has Gone to the Dogs
- From Teaching Sportsmanship to Calming Anxiety: Oshkosh School Counselor Can't Believe How Quickly Sparty the Dog Has Made a Difference
- Making School in Madison a Better Place to Be: The Benedict (Benny) Batman Jones Story
