First Lady Justice welcomes newest Friends With Paws therapy dogs at Spencer Middle School and Point Pleasant High School

CHARLESTON, WV (WVDN) – First Lady Cathy Justice announced the newest therapy dogs through the Friends With Paws program are officially placed in two West Virginia schools. The first, Flora, a female Golden Retriever, was placed at Spencer Middle School. The second, Farley, a male Golden Retriever and brother to Flora was placed at Point Pleasant High School.

The day felt like a true family affair after Gov. Jim Justice and Babydog visited Point Pleasant High School, catching the First Lady by complete surprise.

“I truly believe that everyone should experience the incredible presence of a therapy dog,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “Today, Flora and Farley demonstrated their remarkable ability to provide comfort and support from the moment they arrived. There is no doubt in my mind that these wonderful dogs will become invaluable assets to Spencer Middle and Point Pleasant High School. Both Roane and Mason counties are fortunate to welcome these loving companions into their communities.”

“The Friends With Paws program is truly one of the most successful initiatives we have in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “These two dogs will make wonderful additions to their new schools. Babydog and I are so proud to have participated in today’s celebration at Point Pleasant High School, and anytime we can catch the First Lady by surprise, it makes the day even better.”

The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several Communities In Schools sites across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. As of today, 35 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed across the state.

Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

“Our students come to school for support beyond just what they learn in the classroom and rely on school to see their friends,” Superintendent of Roane County Schools Richard Duncan said. “Making Flora part of our team at Point Pleasant High School will give them another great friend – with paws – and another encouragement to come to school every day.”

Following today’s assemblies, students and staff had the chance to greet Flora and Farley.

“I am extremely grateful to our First Lady Cathy Justice, Communities In Schools, and everyone else that made this possible for our school family,” Principal of Point Pleasant High School Bill Cottrill said. “Farley will undoubtedly bring immense joy, comfort, and emotional support to our students and staff. This kindness and generosity has provided us with a valuable companion who will positively impact countless lives.”

The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education. Therapy dogs are placed in schools within CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal. The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues.

More information about Friends With Paws can be found in Communities In Schools: Friends With Paws, a documentary produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

A 2019 study published by the National Institute of Health found that a dog’s presence in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.

In addition, research shows that the simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Therapy animals’ lower anxiety and help people relax, provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and increase mental stimulation. They are also shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, reduce the number of medications some people need, help control breathing in those with anxiety, and diminish overall physical pain, among other profound benefits.

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