SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY STAYING AT GHS!! THE ADMINISTRATION FINALLY GAVE US THE GREEN LIGHT AND I AM ABSOLUTELY THRILLED BEYOND WORDS!! THANK YOU TO ALL 449 OF YOU WHO STOOD BY THIS MISSION TO KEEP OUR FAVORITE DOG ON CAMPUS!!
April 2, 2018
Final supporters
Over the past few days, students at Guilford High School have been comforted by many therapy dogs, notably Summer. The GHS administration has been amazing in implementing resources for students to use, and these animals are no exception. Summer is a yellow lab that belongs to GHS employee Mr. Meyers, and her presence has been noted and appreciated. While we work to move past this tragedy, we request Summer's continued presence at the high school as a reminder for all of us to keep our spirits up & give us comfort when we need it most.
Yet Summer's effects on the student body goes far beyond the cute factor- the simple act of petting a dog is shown to reduce blood pressure. Lower levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, and an increase in oxytocin are also associated with pet therapy and contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular health. In short, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression positively affects physical health.
In trying times like these, every ounce of help we can get to heal is essential. The continued presence of a therapy dog such as Summer will undoubtedly help us on this journey, emotionally and physically.
Furthermore, a volunteer group called K9 First Responders also assisted as a member of the crisis team. Their dogs were equally appreciated, and if you felt helped by their work, please consider donating to this wonderful cause- https://k9fr.org/donate/
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
February 7, 2018
Reached 100 supporters
February 7, 2018
96 Comments
It is a terrible disaster that has happened, it grieves me to see such young people have to go through such hard times, I think this would extremely help the kids who often find it hard to speak about the pain that they hold, this therapy dog would help comfort those who feel like they cannot relieve the grief they carry.
I love this idea. The recent dogs at the school were really helpful to the kids. At UCONN during finals, they have a puppy room so the kids can play with dogs to reduce their stress in a healthy way.
My child has been comforted by these therapy dogs. The tragedy these students are trying to cope with will not be over quickly. Ongoing support will be needed.
A therapy dog would not only assist us with this recent tragedy, but the many stresses of school. As someone with improving social and general anxiety, a fluffy, empathetic creature can help reduce stress. Ethan was loved by many, and will forever be in our hearts.
I think a therapy dog at the high school would be a great addition to the school. High school can be stressful and many kids would benefit from petting it. I know my son did this week.
The simple act of petting a furry animal like Summer can help to reduce stress.
What a great idea! We need to stop the violence with compassion
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SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY STAYING AT GHS!! THE ADMINISTRATION FINALLY GAVE US THE GREEN LIGHT AND I AM ABSOLUTELY THRILLED BEYOND WORDS!! THANK YOU TO ALL 449 OF YOU WHO STOOD BY THIS MISSION TO KEEP OUR FAVORITE DOG ON CAMPUS!!
April 2, 2018
Final supporters
Over the past few days, students at Guilford High School have been comforted by many therapy dogs, notably Summer. The GHS administration has been amazing in implementing resources for students to use, and these animals are no exception. Summer is a yellow lab that belongs to GHS employee Mr. Meyers, and her presence has been noted and appreciated. While we work to move past this tragedy, we request Summer's continued presence at the high school as a reminder for all of us to keep our spirits up & give us comfort when we need it most.
Yet Summer's effects on the student body goes far beyond the cute factor- the simple act of petting a dog is shown to reduce blood pressure. Lower levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, and an increase in oxytocin are also associated with pet therapy and contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular health. In short, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression positively affects physical health.
In trying times like these, every ounce of help we can get to heal is essential. The continued presence of a therapy dog such as Summer will undoubtedly help us on this journey, emotionally and physically.
Furthermore, a volunteer group called K9 First Responders also assisted as a member of the crisis team. Their dogs were equally appreciated, and if you felt helped by their work, please consider donating to this wonderful cause- https://k9fr.org/donate/
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
February 7, 2018
Reached 100 supporters
February 7, 2018
96 Comments
Summer works in my building and I've seen first hand the healing power of her interactions. When you are sad she leans in. She is a powerful, empathic force that allows people to be reminded of the joy as well as the pain that they carry. A wonderful idea to have her at the school.
It is a terrible disaster that has happened, it grieves me to see such young people have to go through such hard times, I think this would extremely help the kids who often find it hard to speak about the pain that they hold, this therapy dog would help comfort those who feel like they cannot relieve the grief they carry.
I love this idea. The recent dogs at the school were really helpful to the kids. At UCONN during finals, they have a puppy room so the kids can play with dogs to reduce their stress in a healthy way.
My child has been comforted by these therapy dogs. The tragedy these students are trying to cope with will not be over quickly. Ongoing support will be needed.
A therapy dog would not only assist us with this recent tragedy, but the many stresses of school. As someone with improving social and general anxiety, a fluffy, empathetic creature can help reduce stress. Ethan was loved by many, and will forever be in our hearts.
I think a therapy dog at the high school would be a great addition to the school. High school can be stressful and many kids would benefit from petting it. I know my son did this week.
The simple act of petting a furry animal like Summer can help to reduce stress.
What a great idea! We need to stop the violence with compassion
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Summer works in my building and I've seen first hand the healing power of her interactions. When you are sad she leans in. She is a powerful, empathic force that allows people to be reminded of the joy as well as the pain that they carry. A wonderful idea to have her at the school.