Returning to School After Tragedy: The Role of Comfort Dogs in Uvalde, Texas
Many students found it daunting to return to their classrooms post the tragic incident. On a recent Tuesday morning in Uvalde, Texas, some students refused to leave their cars at school drop-off. But there was a unique source of comfort - ten golden retrievers, serving as therapy dogs, were present at the scene to provide aid and relaxation. Bonnie Fear, the crisis reaction coordinator for Lutheran Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries, observed that the presence of these canine visitors helped ease anxious feelings among students.[1]
These comfort dogs were invited back to school for the initial three weeks of the school year to offer support and solace to students and the community. They will be supporting eight different schools in Uvalde, with each school having two handlers.[1]
In certain schools, the therapy dogs greet students outside before they enter their classrooms. At a high school, the comfort dogs stayed peacefully in therapists' offices, providing comfort to any distressed students. Some therapy dogs even accompanied students to the library.[1]
Research has consistently shown the positive impact of therapy dogs on coping with trauma.[2] A 2022 study found that petting a therapy dog increased oxytocin levels, a natural 'love' hormone, in students with depression. This hormone has been proven to decrease cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and increase feelings of bonding and relaxation.[3]
Participating in a regular visitation program called PAWs4US resulted in lower depression and anxiety levels, and even reported increases in self-compassion, a crucial factor for emotional well-being, among students.[4] At Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus in Alexandria, D.C., a therapy dog named Allen was introduced during the first week of classes to provide comfort and alleviate feelings of loneliness and homesickness among students.[3]
The influence of therapy dogs is particularly notable in stressful situations, like the aftermath of a tragedy. With their soothing presence, oxytocin boost, and emotional support, therapy dogs can be a powerful tool for recovery.[5]
Long-term Benefits of Therapy Dogs
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety:
- Regular interactions with therapy dogs have been found to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels in students, particularly those who have experienced trauma.[1][4]
- Improved Mental Health:
- The presence of therapy dogs has been linked to fewer signs of depression and stress compared to students without such programs, indicating that long-term exposure can contribute to better mental health outcomes.[1]
- Increased Self-Compassion:
- Interacting with therapy dogs has been associated with an increased self-compassion, which can be crucial for long-term emotional well-being.[1]
- Enhanced Social Connections:
- Therapy dog programs often allow unstructured sessions that enable students to interact with handlers and other students, fostering social connections and a sense of community.[1]
- Support for Grief and Loss:
- Therapy dogs have been used in situations like the Uvalde shooting to provide emotional support to students, teachers, and community members. They can help individuals process grief and find solace during difficult times.[3]
- Community Building and Unity:
- The utilization of therapy dogs in traumatic events can foster community unity and hope.[3]
- Long-term Healing Process:
- The gradual and repeated exposure to therapy dogs can aid students in navigating the long-term healing process. They offer a consistent source of comfort and support during the recovery phase.[3]
In conclusion, the presence of therapy dogs can have profound, long-term benefits on students' mental health, social connections, and overall well-being, especially following a tragic event like the Uvalde shooting.
