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Destressing with furry friends

Not only is Lulu an adorable dog, but she also does her job well and helps students immensely. We are happy to welcome her into the Pioneer Family.

Pioneer Academy Upper School students face Thursday lunch period with grins and anticipation. Not just because lunch is a universal favorite period of students but because it is when students get to see Lulu, an absolutely adorable therapy dog. Lulu, a two-year-old labradoodle, saunters into the cafeteria and becomes the star sitting in the center, welcoming belly rubs and pets from our high school students.

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Therapy dogs provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals in various educational, health care, and community settings. Lulu visits Pioneer twice each month, bringing stress relief to students and staff. Senior Nicole Cipoletti states, “Lulu is an amazing therapy dog who makes the Thursday lunch period so fun. I always look forward to her visits. Lulu is not just adorable but well-trained.”

Not only can Lulu play for hours, but she is a great companion. She has a job to do, and she knows it. Therapy dogs are not just well-trained dogs; they are chosen for their sweet temperament and trained together with their loyal handler. Lulu is calm, and obedient, and can provide emotional support and comfort to our upper school students. Lulu helps hardworking students relieve the symptoms of their stress and anxiety through their busy exam schedules.

Therapy dogs have been found to reduce physiological symptoms of stress by lowering cortisol levels, promoting engagement in learning activities, and increasing positive attitudes toward learning. Stress can be lowered in our students by even a few minutes of petting Lulu’s silky fur.

Not only is Lulu an adorable dog, but she also does her job well and helps students immensely. We are happy to welcome her into the Pioneer Family.

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