Zara was one of over 70 students who dropped by to meet a therapy dog named Tucker during a wellness event co-sponsored by the library and counseling departments. Students were able to stroke the labradoodle and learn about his certification to help people dealing with anxiety and PTSD. His owner, child psychologist Dr. Rick Smith, explained that Tucker came from generations of therapy dogs and underwent a year of training in the US before joining Dr. Smith in his counseling practice.

Libraries commonly host therapy animals to help students socially and emotionally. Research shows that “therapy dogs may enhance [K-12] students’ mood and positive emotionality, social and communication skills, confidence and their relationship with teachers.”

High School counselor Steve Bennett noticed the impact immediately. “As soon as I walked into the classroom that housed a dozen students and the therapy dog, I felt a sense of calmness. Not only was the dog providing comfort for the student the dog was lying on, all the other students were feeling a sense of relaxation by just being there in the moment, and watching the emotional support the dog was providing with its companionship, affection, and comfort.”

So bringing therapy animals into the library was a great way to promote wellness and bring on some smiles at the end of a stressful school year!