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A local elementary school in Garden Grove is using puppy power to uplift the students in need of a pick me up. Emotional support animals are used to help those who are dealing with stress and anxiety. Now the students of Mitchell Elementary will have access to this type of support.
Students welcomed new mascots Misha and Nellie to the campus as emotional support animals.
Principal Carrie Bostick said the students need an outlet to process stress and anxiety, especially after transitioning to life on campus after a pandemic.
"Families went through very traumatic times and the students were there for that so it really is a great need for mental health support and for awareness on the students' part as well," Bostick said.
The principal made the announcement at a assembly that this new addition is part of a collaboration with the city police department. Misha is from Russia and raised in Ukraine and his owner is the Resource School Officer, Patrick Julienne.
Julienne's daughter was the one who suggested to take the support dog to school campus, Saying her school counselor does the same thing at her high school.
He like the idea so much that he brought in his collogues onboard and a new program was created. Its being funded by the school district, with this recourse it will allow students and family to healthy outlets.
"We are very excited as a district to continue to build and sustain our social-emotional and mental health supports for our students and families," Student Service Director Baldwin Pedraza said. "It includes additional positions such as school social workers and mental health specialists to help and provide education and direct services, preventive care and intervention services for students and families."
The two pups have already made an impact with the students, by helping them comfort the loss of a classmate who passed earlier in the year.
Their cuddles is uplifting and bringing joy to the students allowing them to disconnect from reality and get them re-centered and focused.
SOURCE: ABC 7