FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick Quinn
Director of Communications & Strategic Engagement
Hillsboro R-3 School District
100 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro, MO 63050
Email: Quinn_Patrick@hsdr3.org
HILLSBORO, Mo. — Students at Hillsboro Primary School are gaining confidence and joy in the classroom with the help of three certified therapy dogs. Marnie, a 1-year-old Chihuahua; Sugar, a 5-year-old Goldendoodle; and Oakley, a 4-year-old Labradoodle, each completed more than 20 weeks of training and passed the Canine Good Citizen test to prepare for their role in supporting students.
The dogs are helping students in literacy, music and physical education. Reading aloud to a therapy dog gives children a judgment-free listener that builds fluency and self-esteem. In music class, the dogs provide a calm and nonjudgmental audience, helping students overcome stage fright and experiment with sound and creativity. During physical education, their playful presence encourages reluctant students to join activities like running, playing fetch or guiding a dog through an obstacle course.
“All dogs are therapy dogs. We are fortunate enough to have three on hand daily to support our littles through their big emotions,” said Shannon Murray, Hillsboro Primary School principal.
With their gentle personalities and wagging tails, Marnie, Sugar and Oakley are creating a supportive school culture where students feel more confident, engaged and ready to learn.