What's happening: Tisdale School recently had a very special visit from three therapy dogs. One in particular was a friendly golden retriever named Ziggy. Therapy dog by day, lap dog at night - Ziggy and golden retrievers in general are known for friendliness, affection and loyalty. 🐾
Why it matters: These moments create natural opportunities to normalize conversations about emotional wellbeing with students. Just as therapy dogs provide comfort without judgment, we want our school community to understand that seeking support when we're feeling sad, worried, or overwhelmed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What they’re saying:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet Ziggy, CJ, and Cody. The students loved petting them and learning how therapy dogs help people feel safe, calm, and comforted.” - Jeanne Sullivan, Tisdale School Preschool Teacher
Go deeper: Tisdale students discovered how therapy comes in many forms - sometimes it's talking with a counselor, and other times it's the simple comfort of a gentle companion. We're teaching our students early that it's okay to need help, and that asking for it is brave.
The bottom line: The smiles and open conversations sparked by these furry visitors remind us that creating comfortable, stigma-free environments is essential for children to feel safe expressing their feelings and seeking support when needed. 💙🐶💛