Pet Partner sessions provide students
with comfortable space to open up

Even though he can’t talk to students, Jake is one of the most popular visitors to Mt. Scott High School. He is extremely friendly (always quick to shake a hand), trustworthy, listens well, and doesn’t argue or point out a person’s faults.

Jake is a seven-year-old golden retriever. And along with his owner, Patty Brandt, the two are making a positive impression at Mt. Scott this year. The “pet partner team”, certified through Dove Lewis and Delta Society, visit Mt. Scott weekly to meet with students and counselor, Sara Booth. The sessions are designed to provide students with a comfortable environment to open up about various issues and emotions they may be dealing with.

Research has shown that animals help humans by acting as social bridges, reducing blood pressure, directing thoughts outward, and serving as strong motivators for accomplishing difficult tasks.

“Human animal interactions go beyond companionship by helping people to feel connected and cared about,” says Booth. “The authenticity and sincerity an animal brings to the relationship enables humans to let down their guards and share their humanity."

At Mt. Scott, students have the opportunity to work individually and as a group with Jake, Patty and Sara. Sometimes interactions are very structured and clinically based. This could include disclosing trauma, discussing anxieties, or focusing on behaviors. Other times, interactions are unstructured, such as spending time grooming, taking care of, and snuggling with Jake.

“Interactions are always based on the needs of the student and the school community and always in the spirit of supporting a young person in their prosocial behavior and emotional growth,” says Booth.

Adds Brandt: "The time that Jake and I spend with the Mt. Scott students is by far the best jobs we have."