School Therapy Dog leads to better attendance and mental health for NKC students

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Man’s best friend has become every student’s best friend across the North Kansas City School District. On this National Therapy Animal Day at Chouteau Elementary School, Gia was celebrated for playing a major role in helping students want to come in and learn.

Some say laughter is the best medicine, and Gia never runs out. Giving it to any student in need.

“She’s made me real happy in the mornings when I pet her,” 5th grader Andrea Mascorro said. “It makes me feel good.”

“She’s helped us all mentally and has just been a best friend to all of us,” 3rd grader Ava Manchiln added.

Everyday students can greet the five-and-a-half-year-old dog in the hallway or see her stop by classes to motivate them. They even read to her if they’re upset and need to relax in the counselor’s office.

“It kind of just made my day and I had a good day after that,” Manchiln recalled after reading to Gia. “So, it was awesome.”

“I have a few kids with a morning job of helping her because coming to school was a little tough,” Chouteau Counselor Katy Read said. “So, they have a job to come help her each morning and their attendance has improved. Their since of belonging has improved.”

Using a therapy dog as part of her counseling has been Katy Read’s goal since she started her career. She has handled Gia for three years as Chouteau Elementary’s Therapy Dog.

“I see a lot of different kids all the time from a friendship problem at recess to a family member passing away,” Counselor Read explained. “She has increased the extra comfort level while they’re here.”

In total the North Kansas City School District has eight therapy dogs across campuses for all grade levels. Counselor Read says her colleagues have seen the same positive results with each dog helping a student stay strong with their mental health.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.