Weekly interactions with a new furry friend have brought comfort, emotional support and motivation to elementary-aged students at Knapp School & Yeshiva. Daisy the Therapy Dog visits each classroom for a half hour during group time, with overwhelmingly positive results.

“The kids really enjoy it,” said Liel Hagen, School Social Worker and Social Emotional Learning Coordinator & Enrichment Facilitator. “Adding a dog in there makes a big difference with some of the groups.”

It has been several years since a therapy dog visited the school, with a pup named Sparky being a regular for about eight years until 2020. Liel said that since Daisy - a Cardigan Welsh Corgi from Canine Therapy Corps - started making weekly appearances at Knapp in January, students have shown improved behavior, increased engagement and better emotional regulation throughout the school day.

"We have two students who often want to go first, and waiting for their turn can be challenging," Liel said. "But since Daisy joined, they give her pets as they wait patiently. This is a huge growth!"

Other students enjoy feeding Daisy treats or talking to her.

“We see some increased participation from some students who didn’t participate at all,” Liel said, explaining how one student who is shy in group used to point at Daisy when he wanted to interact, but is now getting more comfortable directly asking for her.

Another student who struggles with big feelings in the morning has become motivated to compose herself because she knows she needs to have a safe body to be in group with Daisy, Liel said.

“She’s very motivated to turn her day around, especially if she’s had a rough morning,” Liel said. “That’s a nice incentive for her specifically.”

Daisy’s handler has brought stickers of Daisy and her brother, so the students can put them on their desks as reminders.

“When we do a feeling check-in, Daisy the dog will also do a feeling check-in,” Liel said. “And when we leave, all the kids have an opportunity to say goodbye or pet her before they leave. They get a little bit of one-on-one time with her before they transition back to class."