A blog inspired by every day happenings, and maybe a dog or two, or three.
To Love Like Judge
It’s taken me time to write this—maybe because putting it into words means admitting he’s really gone. But grief has a strange way of nudging us forward—through moments of kindness, memory, and unexpected connection. You…
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The Privilege of a Second Chance
I was given two options: immediate surgery or I needed to say goodbye. The surgery wasn’t guaranteed, the risks were high, and there was no promise of a miracle. But when I looked into Judge’s…
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Building Trust, One Paw at a Time: Using an Extracurricular Club to Introduce Therapy Dogs in Schools
Many educators and school leaders recognize the benefits of therapy dogs in academic settings but hesitate to implement a full-scale program due to knowledge gaps, logistical challenges, financial constraints, or policy concerns. A Therapy Dog…
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Honoring the Legacy: Ensuring Continuity in School Therapy Dog Programs
In a school setting, therapy animals can become cornerstones of the emotional support system for students and the learning community at large (Maricevic, 2022). Whether helping a student cope with anxiety, providing comfort during stressful…
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A Force for Good at Somers High School: Vader the Therapy Dog
This weekend, the Harrison High School boys varsity football team heads to Somers, New York, for an epic face-off against the Tuskers of Somers High School—a game that is sure to be charged with excitement…
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Yes, Your IB World High School Needs a Therapy Dog—Here’s Why
Today is World Mental Health Day, a perfect moment to highlight the well-being of students, faculty, and staff, particularly in high-pressure environments like those of International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. The IB program, renowned for…
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Restoring Comfort: Advocating for the Return of a Therapy Dog Program
Just the other day, I received a message from an educator in a current leadership position. In the message, the school leader expressed frustration and confusion over the abrupt discontinuation of a beloved therapy dog…
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Never Gonna Give You Up: What Dogs and Rick Astley Teach Us About Loyalty and Human Connection
Loyalty is a rare and invaluable trait—a kind of dedication we often seek in our human relationships but one that is lived out daily by our four-legged companions. When I captured the above smiling faces…
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From Wellness Days to Therapy Dogs: Building a Healthier School Culture for the 21st Century
The concept of a school wellness initiative isn’t new; it has been a growing focus for many years among administrators, faculty, staff, and students as schools increasingly recognize the link between student health and academic…
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A Case of the Mondays
After a relaxing weekend with our dogs, Monday morning hits hard. The easygoing days replaced by the usual work routine, and it’s clear the pack feels the shift too. Judge, Daisy, Bud, and Bravo all…
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If Therapy Dogs are Good Enough for the USA Gymnastics Team, They’re Good Enough for America’s High School Students
I don’t know about you, but I am totally hyped up for the 2024 Olympic Games, ready to cheer on Team USA in all sports. But let’s be real, the Olympic Games aren’t just any…
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Embracing Unconditional Love: Lessons from Our Dogs
Earlier today, I stumbled upon an Instagram post from @moderndogco that read, “Imagine if we loved each other the way our dogs love us.” Of course this post immediately struck a chord with me, as…
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The Silent Echo of a Promise: How Dogs Quietly Shape Our Understanding of Relationships
Life’s most profound lessons often come from unexpected sources. One such source is the stoic presence of a dog in our lives. Another is a timeless song that speaks to the heart: “The Promise” by…
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Four Dogs and a Vacuum: Building Trust, Security, and Life Lessons
Sure, you’ve heard daunting stories about what life is like vacuuming with pets in the house. Funny thing, in our household, when it comes time to vacuum—every day—it’s surprisingly calm. Despite having 450 pounds of…
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In High Schools, Therapy Dogs Give Teens Permission to Feel
In the bustling halls of high schools across the country, amidst the chatter of students and the ringing of bells, a new kind of support system is quietly at work. It doesn’t come in the…
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Empathic Paws 