Written By: Pascale Gibbs and Sophia Caruso, Staff Writers
COMFORT: Getting a furry friend to increase morale at Poly.
In the first month of school at Poly, a husky was roaming around the student parking lot. The husky was surrounded by students eager to give the dog attention. Later that day, during marching band practice, the dog excitedly visited the band on the field.
Kayley Timm (11), a saxophone player and drum major in the Poly band, explains that the dog was “with [them] for all of [their] band rehearsal.” Despite the dog continually licking the band members during their practice, it was exciting and “definitely brought up the spirit,” said Timm. Not only did the students love the dog, the teachers loved it as well. Mrs. Hernandez, the band director here at Poly, loved the dog so much that she took it home! Mrs. Hernandez brings her own pets to school on occasion because “dogs are so happy here,” says Mrs. Hernandez.
Since many students loved having the dog on campus, the idea of getting a Poly dog has been thrown around. This is almost unheard of in schools, other than the occasional drug dog, but why is this?
There are some fundamental reasons why dogs are generally not seen on a school campus. Initial issues include allergies, school liability, or the possibility of a dog bite.
There are two very simple solutions to these concerns, however. All there needs to be are simple procedures in place: The dog would have to be hypoallergenic and have a certificate as a support dog. Although it seems like it might be a hassle to get a trained dog, it would be highly beneficial to students’ mental health. Dogs always have a positive effect on people – generating feelings of trust and relaxation. Having support digs on campus could possibly alleviate anxiety that is felt by many on campus, and following the above guidelines would ensure no injuries or liabilities.
Although some people are highly allergic to dogs – even the hypoallergenic ones – the answer to eliminating this problem would be to station the dog in a specific area to ensure that students with allergies could avoid it, and those who welcome the fluffy, friendly, and snuggly dog can visit it. A wellness center is being built here on Poly’s campus; located in the library. If the dog was to be located in the wellness center with the SAP counselors, students could talk to the counselors while being accompanied by a warm greeting from a furry friend. .
Although this is an intriguing idea, what did Poly students and staff think about the matter? When asked, most students encouraged the idea and said that it would be great to have a furry friend that could help get students through the day. While few wanted other sorts of pets and others possessed some concerns about allergies as well the dangers of having an agitated canine, the overall majority was heavily inclined to want a furry friend on campus.
Some students experience stress and anxiety while at school. Why not try a new kind of therapy. Let’s adopt our own “Poly Pet.”