Paw Pals Program Boosts Kids' Mental Health

Everyone knows that dogs make life better. Trained therapy dogs have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. This is especially for kids who face challenges at school and why Ripley Blue and his friends at the Paw Pals program are so important. When you see Rip trotting down the halls of Wallace Grade School you might think that it’s playtime. But this pup has a very big job and he’s one of the most important members of the school community.

“Rip has truly transformed the emotional climate of our school,” says Melanie Hart, Principal and Rip’s handler. “Whether he’s offering a tail wag to a student who’s had a rough morning, helping a child find the courage to tackle a tough assignment, or simply spreading joy in the hallways, Rip has become an irreplaceable presence.”

United Way of Eastern LaSalle County’s Paw Pals program matches dogs with a trained school staff and sends them to school every day. They cover the cost of the dog, veterinary care, and two years of professional training. The dogs meet students where they are emotionally and academically. They become true team members; some even have their own school ID badges and are listed in staff directories.

At Marseilles Elementary School, Rip’s colleague Sunni is also making a difference. Ryan, a teacher at the school remembers a moment in which Sunni’s special skills set her apart. “A Pre-K student was feeling scared and sad on her first day of school. Sunni was walking by when she saw her crying and sitting in the hallway, and she came over to help. She gently laid down by the student, and within minutes, the student’s tears turned into giggles after sitting and petting Sunni.”  

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Rip and Sunni help children feel safe and supported in a way only they can.  The program invests in our students' emotional well-being because kids that are thriving today build more resilient communities tomorrow.