Priority PupsTo help reduce anxiety—and open the way for learning—several elementary schools in Michigan have enrolled service dogs as full-time happiness ambassadors—and it is paw-sitively working.
Students are “already seeing a big difference in their academics,” according to a news report from WXMI-TV 17.
Priority Health, a Michigan health insurance provider, launched Priority Pups in September when goldendoodles were placed in two of the state’s school districts, “with more to come”.
“I love you, Meeka,” said Shelby, a student at North Godwin Elementary School who was snuggled up with the pup, which serves in a different classroom every day.
Research shows the presence of a trained dog lowers children’s stress, fosters a positive attitude toward learning, and smooths interactions between classmates.
A 2023 report from Mental Health America found that many youth in Michigan with clinical depression did not receive any mental health treatment.
Shelby’s mom, Laurie Uhl, described the difference Meeka is making in her daughter’s life.
“Shelby was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Fragile X Syndrome, along with autism and ADHD. Here at school, she really struggles with a range of emotions.
“She gets angry and will cry or scream uncontrollably.”
But since Meeka the goldendoodle arrived at school, there is a guaranteed way to bring calm to the situation.
Meeka inside a Michigan classroom – Priority Pups
“I’ve seen Shelby having a meltdown and when Meeka is brought into the room, I can see a breath of fresh air wash over her and she finds comfort.”
It’s not only the stressed-out students that benefit from sitting with the pup during the day.
Research shows that literacy scores went up for children after they read to dogs.
“My math was super hard,” one fifth-grader told WXMI-TV. “But then Meeka came in and when I take a break with her for a few minutes. Then math became really easy.”
The program was made possible by Canines for Change, founded in 2005 by Dr. Nikki Brown, a school psychologist for the Lansing School District in Michigan.
Priority Pups
Dr. Brown began taking her Corgi to school, to work with special education students, and noticed a drastic improvement in their skills and behavior with the addition of a dog. So she teamed up with another trainer to be able to offer service dogs for children with special needs.Three years ago, Canines for Change was approached by their local Grand Ledge School District to place a Facility Dog in each of their nine school
buildings. When Priority Health heard about it, they began funding their own program for schools, Priority Pups.Dogs Placed in Elementary Schools Making a Big Difference in Academics and Mental Health for Michigan Students
