By Kara Foran, From Care2

Prince the Therapy Dog

Prince worked as comfort dog at an Indiana high school for four years–right up until his 2013 retirement. As the school’s beloved therapy dog, Prince calmed down stressed out students and offered priceless comfort during times of need. When the student yearbook staff at Portage High School decided to give Prince his own spot in the yearbook, they didn’t expect such a positive school-wide reaction. Yearbook contributors thought the students would at least appreciate Prince’s yearbook presence, that is, if anyone noticed. When the yearbook made its end-of-the-year debut, the entire school was pleasantly shocked. Prince even got to “walk” on graduation day with the 2013 senior class.

The Role of Comfort Dogs in America

Over the years, comfort dogs have become a crucial component to the aftermath of tragedy. These supportive pups do their admirable work in senior living centers, hospitals and schools. Recently, they’ve taken their compassion a step further.

After the infamous school shooting in Newton, Connecticut, it was comfort dogs that consoled frightened elementary school children. One child refused to even speak to her mother after the shooting. When she interacted with a therapy dog, she finally started talking again. Another child divulged details of the shooting to his canine companion–details, the parents said, he would not even share with family.

The same therapy dogs that arrived in Newton were brought in after the Boston shooting, as well. Look out for these heroic animals as we will surely depend on comfort dogs for empathy time and time again.

Photo Credit: Portage High School Publications

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