March 6, 2023

Dear PLMS Families,

We are incredibly excited to introduce you to a new PLMS Tiger that will be joining us this spring. We will be
welcoming Hank to our team as a Certi ied Therapy Dog. Hank is an F1 Bernedoodle (½ Bernese Mountain
Dog and ½ Poodle). Hank completed his certi ication training through Pets for LIfe and is very excited to be
an integral part of our school community. Below, we have set out the bene its of site based school therapy
dogs.
What are the bene its of having a school dog(s)?
Numerous research studies have shown the bene its of therapy dogs in schools. Therapy dogs have been
working in schools across the nation for quite some time now, and have at times been a part of our district
staff before.
Evidence indicates that bene its include:
● Cognitive- companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving and game playing.
● Social- a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing, and
focused interaction with others.
● Emotional- school dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking
laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as
relieving anxiety.
● Physical- interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists
with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses.
● Reading- reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build
con idence, through both the calming effect the dog’s presence has on children as well as the fact that
a dog will listen to children read without being judgemental or critical. This comforting environment
helps to nurture children’s enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the con idence to read
aloud.
We also understand that some students may be allergic to dogs and or fearful. If you would like to opt your
student out of interacting with Hank, please contact Autumn Leach at autumn.leach@lsr7.net or
816-986-1196. .
We are excited about the opportunity for Hank to support our students in the areas of social, cognitive,
emotional, and overall well-being!
Sincerely,

Brian Linquist