Clara, a female Golden Retriever, was placed at Brooke Middle School last week as one of the newest therapy dogs through the Friends With Paws program.
The therapy dogs were announced during assemblies celebrating their arrival. 
“I have no doubt that Clara will be a tremendous addition to Brooke Middle school,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “We have been able to see firsthand what these therapy dogs are capable of, and the benefits are staggering. Whether it be better reading skills, increased attendance rates, or an overall morale boost for the students and faculty, these dogs are here to help.”
The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost.
Since December 2023, 19 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed across the state.
Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers.
Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Following an assembly to introduce the dog, students and staff had the chance to greet Clara.
“We have been anxiously waiting for Clara’s arrival for months and are ecstatic that the day has finally arrived. Clara will be such an asset to our school community. We are fortunate to gain her as a member of our school,” principal Jenn Schiffbauer-Sisinni of Brooke Middle School said.
The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit and the West Virginia Dept. of Education.
Therapy dogs are placed in schools in CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal. The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues.
A 2019 study published by the National Institute of Health found that a dog’s presence in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.
In addition, research shows that the simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response.
Therapy animals’ lower anxiety and help people relax, provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and increase mental stimulation.
They are also shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, reduce the number of medications some people need, help control breathing in those with anxiety, and diminish overall physical pain, among other profound benefits.