Two dogs spent their Wednesday morning in the library to help alleviate the stress of a school day. This is all thanks to the Mo-Kan Pet Partners, who have volunteers show up to different facilities, including schools, to promote the benefits of the animal bond. Volunteer Walter Davis was one of the members who came with their companion, a chihuahua mix named Cinnabun to help out with the pet therapy.
“[It’s our] second visit here, they put up a flyer saying if you got a therapy dog, and I saw it, and I know I have been to this school before,” Davis said. “[Cinnabun] goes and visits patients in the hospital, sometimes she is the nicest thing that happened to them all day long.”
Cinnabun wasn’t the only dog that was brought to help. Riley, the golden retriever, also came to get pets and meet students and staff. Cinnabun has been a therapy dog for two years and Riley for four. Many teachers and students were able to sign up their Anchor Time or fifth-hour class for a visit.
“A lot of my kids have sensory issues, so being able to pet the animals really helps [calm] them,” Special Education Teacher Jessica Rach said. “I think the golden retriever [is the best] because [my students] like how he feels, like the softness of [his fur].”
The library partnered with the organization in the spring and hopes to have the animals return, maybe even some cats, every quarter to help alleviate students’ stress.
Mo-Kan Pet Partners allow dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, rats, miniature pigs, llamas, alpacas, horses, donkeys and even mini horses or donkeys to serve as therapy animals.
