Bristol Schools Introduce Therapy Dog Jingle to Support Student Well-Being

Bristol Welcomes New Therapy Dog, Jingle, to Brighten Students’ Days

BRISTOL, Tenn. – In an exciting development for students at Viking Academy, the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education recently introduced their latest furry friend, a three-month-old Goldendoodle named Jingle. The board members were eager to share their vision for bringing more therapy dogs into the school system to help students cope with growing anxieties, particularly those that have arisen due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Magic of Therapy Dogs

Board Chair Eric Cuddy couldn’t hide his enthusiasm during the announcement. “I love dogs. I mean, I love dogs. I know how they brighten everybody’s day,” he said, expressing how important he believes therapy dogs can be for students struggling emotionally. “Our goal is to have therapy dogs in all of our schools. It’s very important for us to do that,” he added.

As the ongoing effects of the pandemic continue to unfold, many students are experiencing increased levels of anxiety and stress. Cuddy shared, “We have seen a huge increase in anxiety amongst our students. Studies have shown how therapy dogs just bring out, you know, the best in students who are struggling with anxiety issues.” This commitment to student mental health is exactly why the introduction of Jingle is so timely and welcomed.

Training and Transition for Jingle

Before Jingle officially takes on her responsibilities, there are some steps to ensure she’s fully prepared. She will undergo a training program with a local trainer from Abingdon, Virginia, focusing on how to interact and provide comfort to students effectively. “Jingle will be at Viking Academy here in a couple of weeks,” Cuddy mentioned excitedly, keeping everyone looking forward to her arrival.

The idea to incorporate therapy dogs into the Bristol school system was inspired by Director of Schools Annette Tudor, who learned about their benefits at a School Board convention last year. “She came out of that breakout session, she said, ‘Y’all, I have to tell you about the use of therapy dogs,’” Cuddy recalled, highlighting the enthusiasm that followed. Everyone knew they had to act on it, and after careful planning, the board secured a generous $10,000 grant from the state to cover Jingle’s purchasing and training costs, along with her veterinary needs.

Finding the Perfect Joint Partner

To ensure that Jingle has a steady support system, she will have both a primary and secondary handler at the school. The primary handler will be a teacher from Viking Academy, and the board is currently accepting applications from teachers who wish to take on this special role. “That’s the person she’ll go home with at night,” Cuddy explained. “And there will be two in case that handler can’t be at school; the second handler will be in charge.” This setup ensures that Jingle will always have someone to connect with, making her a well-loved part of the school community.

The Daily Life of a Therapy Dog

Once settled, Jingle’s days will be packed! According to Cuddy, “She’ll be at the school every day, from the time it opens till the time it closes.” This means she’ll roam the halls and provide one-on-one sessions for students in need of a little extra comfort. If a student finds themselves feeling overwhelmed or anxious, they’ll have the opportunity to relax and spend some time with Jingle. “If the situation arises that a student needs time out… they can spend time just one-on-one with Jingle,” he shared.

More Furry Friends on the Horizon

Jingle isn’t the only four-legged friend on the way. A teacher at Tennessee High School has also volunteered her puppy for therapy dog training. This means students at both schools will have access to much-needed emotional support from their new furry companions.

Welcoming Jingle to the Community

Jingle is also a hypoallergenic breed, which means allergies shouldn’t pose a significant problem for most students. “We shouldn’t have a problem, but you know, if that’s a problem, then we can make sure that a child isn’t around Jingle,” Cuddy noted, emphasizing their commitment to accommodating all students’ needs.

Alongside introducing Jingle, the Bristol school leaders have formed a partnership with Frontier Health, providing a full-time therapist to assist in addressing emotional and mental health needs among students. This comprehensive approach ensures that students have not only a furry friend but also professional support as they navigate their challenges.

For those wanting to stay updated on Jingle’s adventures as she settles into her new role, feel free to follow her journey on Instagram @BTCS_Paws. It’s sure to be a heartwarming story!