Therapy dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve overall mood.
In an effort to create a more positive learning atmosphere, St. Michael’s School in Medicine Hat welcomed its very own therapy dog this year, named Tiffany.
Tiffany the therapy dog“She just walks around with a confidence in the hallway and when students see her, they’re all ‘hi Tiffany’ with the cutest little smile on their face,” said Kylah Stroh, Tiffany’s handler.
Stroh brings Tiffany to school every Friday, where the duo visits different classrooms and students can interact with Tiffany.
If there is a student who is going through difficult emotions, Tiffany will sit with them until they are calm.
Tiffany joined Pet Partners’ therapy program with the Gas City Dog Club and received her certification last summer.
“It’s really sweet how she brought myself so much happiness and now I’m able to share that with others,” Stroh said.
“I think dogs do know that they’re making a big difference in children and yeah, it’s just so sweet to see and it’s really rewarding,” she added.
Stroh said the students have been respectful with Tiffany so far and that the staff have been loving her, too.
