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Perry High program brings therapy dogs to students; library staff say more than 1,500 have participated
Summary
Maricopa County Library District staff and Perry High students described a therapy-dog program intended to ease student anxiety after a series of traumatic events; staff said more than 1,500 students, staff and teachers have used the service and some students reported lower test anxiety.
Perry High School students have access to a therapy-dog program organized by Perry Library employees of the Maricopa County Library District, staff and students said during recent remarks about the initiative.
A Maricopa County Library District staff member said the idea came from the library supervisor, Shelly Reddy, and that library employees began bringing therapy dogs to campus to help students cope after “a series of tragic events at Perry High School.” The staff member said, “Our library supervisor, Shelly Reddy, she’s the one that came up with the idea of bringing in therapy dogs.”
Staff described the program as well-received. “It’s been wonderful, and the kids absolutely love it,” said a library staff member. The same speaker said some students see the dogs regularly and “the dogs zone in on them right away,” allowing students to run in the courtyard and “de stress.”
A student at Perry High School said the visits reduced their anxiety, adding, “It definitely improves my mental health. I think it gives a sense of relief to students who are in classes and are currently having, like, a difficult time.” School staff supporting the program said students report reduced test anxiety; one staff member summarized, “Students say the program is decreasing their test anxiety and increasing their mental health one head scratch at a time.”
Program participation numbers were cited by library staff. “Since the program’s inception, more than 1,500 students, staff, and teachers have participated in Doggo De-Stress,” a library staff member said. Staff also relayed an anecdote: after visiting with the dogs a student with test anxiety performed better than usual on an important exam.
The remarks combined description of the program’s operations — including supervised visits and courtyard time — with first-person reports of improved mood and reduced anxiety. Organizers and supporters framed the visits as a wellness resource for students and staff; details about program start date, ongoing funding, animal-handler qualifications, and any formal school approvals were not specified during the remarks.
School and library officials did not report any formal policy change or vote during the statements. Questions about long-term funding, handler screening, or formal evaluation of outcomes were not addressed in the recorded comments.
