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Featured in Rambler Texas Media

https://ramblernewspapers.com/articles/2032/view/therapy-dogs-ease-students-stress

Therapy Dogs at Cedar Hill High School

Cedar Hill—Finals season has become a little less stressful for students at Cedar Hill High School thanks to three energetic goldendoodles providing comfort and companionship during the final weeks of the school year. The animals give students a chance to de-stress and relax during final exam season.  

“Before this, I was having like a pretty stressful day,” senior Jamari Lloyd said. “Just seeing these dogs really boosted my mood and made me happier and lighter. It made me think about all the good stuff I got going on. It really does help.”   

Licensed Professional Counselor Kezia Drake and her husband, Ben Drake, an Arlington police officer, are the owners of Golden Pet Therapy. Whether it is problems at home, mental health issues or finals-week fatigue, the pair said their doodles have a knack for improving any situation.   

“We go to mental health facilities, police departments, libraries, schools. We go to share the joy and lighten people's day,” Ben Drake said. "Having the dogs in [Kezia’s] sessions increases serotonin. It helps people relax, be more open, and they're more productive in therapy. It helps reduce anxiety. When somebody walks in and they see the dog, they just get a smile.”    

Teddy, the oldest doodle in the pack, and father of Winnie, has been assisting with therapy sessions since he was 9 weeks old. Teddy and Winnie have both received training and certifications as therapy animals. Chief, a miniature goldendoodle, hasn’t cut the mustard (yet) on his exams but still shows up for support at Cedar Hill. 

“[Teddy's] been doing it for four years,” Ben said. “He loves to work.”   

Winnie is currently rocking a stylish blue mullet which the Drakes’ plan to turn into a red, white and blue fur-style for Independence Day. 

The sessions have been regularly booked solid each week. For about 20 minutes, groups of 15 to 20 kids make their way to a quiet corner of the high school to interact with the dogs.  

After being recently diagnosed with depression and anxiety, freshman Justice Collins said the dogs were a great way to cope.  

“I really love dogs,” Collins said. “Today was a rough day. So, when I came here, it really made me happy. They brighten up my day. They make me feel safe. I don't have to worry about anything else. I could just have fun.” 

The project was provided to students, using part of a $10,000 Pathways to Success Grant. 

The grant also funded a men’s assembly. Around 900 ties were distributed to teen boys who were taught how to tie them. The district hopes to host a similar event for the school’s girls in the future. 

“It has been an amazing success,” school counselor Scipio McElroy said. “The kids have flocked to them, and we're definitely planning for them to come back next year.