A Canine Companion Who Cares for Students

Wilson Elementary School in Coppell, Texas, recently introduced a therapy dog to aid with children’s mental health and well-being. More than a mascot, the beagle, Jill, has become a fixture at the school—greeting kids in the hallway, joining recess, and visiting classrooms.

Winning Approval

Pet parent and counselor Kaylyn Hickey pursued training and certification for herself and Jill. “We worked with district leadership to develop guidelines,” says Cooper Hilton, principal. “When our counselor shared the data on the impact therapy dogs have on students’ well-being and campus culture, it was hard to say no.”

Everyday Duties

Jill is now a part of the school’s daily routine. She visits with individuals and small groups and attends school events such as International Night. “Jill has also made visits to other campuses when our counselor has been called to serve on a grief team due to the loss of a student or staff,” Hilton says.

A Dog’s Purpose

Jill’s role is to promote a sense of calm and joy among kids and staff. “Research indicates that the presence of a therapy dog increases oxytocin and decreases cortisol of both the students and adults in a building,” Hilton says. “She and Dr. Hickey also intervene with kids who may be under a lot of stress.”

A Soothing Presence

One student sought support following her father’s cancer diagnosis. Hickey gave her a safe space to process her emotions, and Jill—sensing the student’s distress—curled up in her lap. “The student’s demeanor immediately changed,” Hilton says. “It’s amazing how intuitive animals can be and how they can respond.”

Multiple Positives

Jill has helped shy or reluctant learners get excited about coming to school. “Anecdotally, we have also seen students’ empathy and sense of connection improve,” Hilton says. “Simply put, Wilson Rangers experience a unique sense of joy when they interact with Jill.”

Special Considerations

The school considered whether having a therapy dog on-site might trigger student fears or allergies. One family with an allergic student notified the counselor, who works to avoid direct contact. Students tend to initiate interaction and are trained to signal when they want to pet Jill. “We invited families to share any concerns,” Hilton says. “The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many of our families feel a sense of pride that we are the only elementary school with this resource.”