Categories: PETS

Palm Beach County Schools expands therapy dog program

The Palm Beach County school district now has three therapy dogs paired with officers across the district.Leo went through the Paws and Stripes therapy dog program through the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. The 1-year-old was rescued from Big Dog Ranch Rescue.Officer Michelle Wilburn says the students at Westward Elementary School love seeing him on campus.”They may not necessarily get to pet Leo every single day, but just seeing him on the campus means the world to them,” Wilburn said.Leo does Officer Wilburn's normal routine of perimeter checks and other patrols on campus throughout the day but is also there to provide an outlet for students who may be struggling.”It kind of helps them get more in tune with their emotions; learning how to be calm and talk about things,” she said. “Leo is non-judgmental.”Officer Wilburn and her supervising sergeant hope this therapy dog program is expanded in the future to include more schools.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

The Palm Beach County school district now has three therapy dogs paired with officers across the district.

Leo went through the Paws and Stripes therapy dog program through the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. The 1-year-old was rescued from Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Officer Michelle Wilburn says the students at Westward Elementary School love seeing him on campus.

“They may not necessarily get to pet Leo every single day, but just seeing him on the campus means the world to them,” Wilburn said.

Leo does Officer Wilburn's normal routine of perimeter checks and other patrols on campus throughout the day but is also there to provide an outlet for students who may be struggling.

“It kind of helps them get more in tune with their emotions; learning how to be calm and talk about things,” she said. “Leo is non-judgmental.”

Officer Wilburn and her supervising sergeant hope this therapy dog program is expanded in the future to include more schools.

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Doggone Well Staff