Comfort dogs help out in Uvalde, TX, as students return to school after tragedy
Some students were hesitant about returning to their classrooms after the tragic event. As parents dropped their kids off at Uvalde, Texas, school on a recent Tuesday morning, some students refused to get out of the car. But ten golden retrievers were sent to the scene as comfort dogs, providing relief and relaxation. Bonnie Fear, the crisis reaction coordinator for Lutheran Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries, noticed that the presence of these canine visitors helped distract students and ease their anxiety.[1]
The comfort dogs were invited back for the first three weeks of the school year to provide support and solace to the students and community. These golden retrievers will be supporting eight different schools in Uvalde, and each will have two handlers.[1]
In some schools, the comfort dogs greet students outside before they enter the classroom. At a high school, therapists' offices, the comfort dogs resided quietly in rooms while helping comfort any distressed students. Some comfort dogs also accompanied students to the library.[1]
The benefits of therapy dogs in helping to cope with trauma are well documented.[2] In a 2022 study, researchers found that petting a therapy dog increased oxytocin levels, a natural "love" hormone, in students with depression. This hormone has been shown to decrease cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and increase feelings of bonding and relaxation.[3]
Students who participated in a regular visitation program called PAWs4US showed lower levels of depression and anxiety, and even reported increased self-compassion, a crucial factor in emotional well-being.[4] At Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus in Alexandria, D.C., a therapy dog named Allen was introduced during the stressful first week of classes to provide a comforting presence, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and homesickness among students.[3]
The presence of therapy dogs can have a tremendous positive impact, particularly in stressful situations like the aftermath of a tragedy. With their calming presence, oxytocin boost, and general emotional support, therapy dogs can make all the difference for those trying to recover.
