By: Betty Lee
Clay County Middle School, in partnership with Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE), introduced the newest member of the Middle School Staff this week, Mustang Sally. Sally is a therapy dog that will assist in the support of healthy development of school aged children addressing trauma, increasing resilience, and fostering positive factors in their lives.
Sally will be spending time with the students in the hallways in the mornings, between classes, and at lunch. When Sally is fully certified, she will be visiting classrooms and small groups. Therapy dogs bring emotional support. Just petting therapy dogs is good for students.
“We want Sally to show comfort and affection to not only our students but our adults as well,” says Leslie Goe from Clay County Middle School.
Therapy dogs are shown to provide numerous benefits, including making one feel happier, less depressed, and with an improved outlook on life; reducing boredom, reducing anxiety because of calming effects, and helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills.
Sally was formally introduced to the student body at the Homecoming Pep Rally on Sept. 29 and attended the homecoming game as well. Sally will begin her official therapy training in the upcoming months.
Sally joins Noodle, the therapy dog from Clay Elementary School, in therapy dogs serving our area. There are now three therapy dogs in the Clay County School systems to brighten the children’s days.