At EHHS, many students have already met Daisy, the small, friendly therapy dog who works in the school-based health center. Daisy belongs to SBHC counselor, Ms. Elizabeth, and Daisy’s main job is to help students regulate their emotions and calm them down during stressful moments.

According to Ms. Elizabeth, Daisy provides support for students dealing with stress, anxiety, or even depression. “She’s really here to help alleviate any stressors the kids are having. She’s primarily here to give students an extra push and a little bit of joy,” she explained. Daisy often sits on students’ laps, helping them slow their breathing by matching hers.

Daisy also seems to naturally sense when someone needs her. “If I have three students in the room and one is really stressed or anxious, she’ll go to that student,” Ms. Elizabeth said. “She can tell who is stressed.”

Although Daisy doesn’t work with staff, many teachers and security stop by just to say hi. Ms. Elizabeth says Daisy brings them happiness too: “They get very happy, they smile, and they come running toward her to pet her. She brings joy to the staff here at EHHS.”
To prepare for her role, Daisy completed therapy dog training through Pet Partners, an organization that certifies therapy animals. She went through group courses, an official evaluation, and additional one-on-one training to make sure she could stay calm and aware in busy environments, like crowds or even fire drills.
Daisy has a unique background as well. After doing a dog DNA test, Ms. Elizabeth discovered that Daisy is mostly Chihuahua (64%), but also part Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pug, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, and Pomeranian, “a little bit of everything,” she said.

Not all students automatically work with Daisy. To receive support, students must be enrolled in the school-based health center. Once enrolled, they can meet with Daisy as part of their therapy sessions. There are currently two therapy dogs available: Daisy, who works with Ms. Elizabeth, and another therapy dog with Ms. Leigh Forte.
Daisy continues to bring comfort, joy, and calmness to students navigating tough moments. Her presence alone makes a noticeable difference, one tail wag at a time.