December 21, 2023
LANCASTER, Texas -- Lancaster Independent School District has taken a unique and heartwarming approach to support the mental health and well-being of its students and staff. The district recently welcomed a new furry staff member, a social-emotional wellness dog named Angel, who is on a mission to spread support and comfort to all who cross her path.
Angel, a French Bulldog, is not your ordinary dog. She is specially trained to provide emotional support to people, and her gentle and friendly nature makes her an instant hit with everyone she meets. With Angel on the scene, the district is setting a new standard for supporting mental health.
The dog has been with the district for a few weeks, visiting each campus as she completes her social-emotional wellness training. A second dog named Bayou, also a French Bulldog, joined the district in mid-December. The pups will be an extra resource for the Student Services Department and campus administration to support and encourage students and staff.
Adding the social-emotional wellness dogs to the district is a strategic goal the Student Services Department set to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to learn in. The dogs are trained to help students feel more comfortable and relaxed when they need extra emotional guidance and provide a sense of security.
Since arriving in the district, Angel has started having brief interactions, or sessions, with students. Angel has also begun spending time with staff. In early November, she attended a professional development session with the team at Lancaster High School to help her get acclimated to working in group settings.
Lancaster ISD counselor Meca Anderson is leading the initiative and coordination of the animals.
"Having the dogs is a game-changer for our students," said Anderson. "The past few years have been tough for everyone, and many are still grieving and healing from COVID-19. We want the students and staff to know that we care about them and that they are supported. Having the dogs will create a nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth. Although Angel has only interacted with a few students, the positive impact has been almost immediate."
Anderson says Angel's presence during an interaction helps the person involved refocus their emotions, which allows them to get to the root of the problem they may be experiencing. When a student or staff member is in a session with the wellness dog, therapy music is used to help create a calming environment and eliminate distractions.
The dogs will work in conjunction with counselors to support the students, help them understand the importance of self-care and mental health, and teach them how to manage their emotions in a healthy way. The animals will also help counsel the staff and provide nurturing and additional support. When fully trained, the two social-emotional wellness dogs will each work with counselors and administrators at six campuses.
"We believe that by providing students and staff with the tools they need to manage their mental health, we can help them succeed academically and in life," said Anderson.
An anonymous donor gifted Angel to the district and provided monetary support for her training, food, and other necessary supplies. Bayou was acquired via the Student Services Department.
Angel
Bayou
Bayou and Angel