“I didn’t even realize how stressed I was until I held one of the puppies,” said senior Malorie Putz.
During lunch last week, the school commons transformed into a calm and cheerful space as counselors brought puppies to campus as part of the Together We Are campaign.
This invited students to step away from their phones, schoolwork, and other stressors and spend a few minutes with the dogs, sponsored by JnJ Kennels.
Putz, who normally goes home for lunch, stayed to see the puppies.
“I noticed I was happier for the rest of the day and was in a more upbeat mood,” she said. “I was kinder to my family, more talkative, and more energetic.”
Junior Wyatt Johnson was overwhelmed that day due to a demanding wrestling season.
“Being with the puppies kind of comforted me and made me feel loved,” Johnson said.
Senior Natalie Beilby said the puppies surprised her with how much they improved her mood. “I’m more of a cat person, but the puppies really changed my mood that day,” Beilby said. “I think we should do it again—it helps give kids a break from the school day and decompress.”
Shelby Piersch and Mackenzie Atwater designed the event to promote a positive discussion of mental health.
“It is important for students to realize that whatever they are facing, they don’t have to face it alone,” brain health counselor Makenna Kelley said. “These types of events allow us to inform students about the resources available both inside and outside of school.”
Piersch said activities like the puppy visit change how people see mental health.
“Talking about mental health has a negative connotation—that it’s all sad and doom and gloom,” Piersch said. “When we pair it with something positive, like puppies, we create an open dialogue and show students strategies that can boost their well-being.”
They observed immediate effects during the visit.
“You could just see their faces light up,” Piersch said. “People came back multiple times, and we saw students who maybe don’t usually interact with others interacting.”
By bringing puppies into the lunchroom, counselors hoped to remind students that caring for mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a few minutes of joy can make a meaningful difference.
