Students ease exam stress with pets from Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe recently brought pets to Truckee High School and North Tahoe High School to act as therapy dogs and help ease the tension and stress of midterm exams. The students had the opportunity to take a break from studying and test-taking to pet and play with the shelter dogs.

The program was conceived when Logan Malone, assistant principal at Truckee High School, approached the Humane Society with the idea of bringing therapy dogs in to help students relax before going in to their midterm exams. Erin Ellis, the Humane Educations Program Manager at the Humane Society, worked with Malone to bring teams of therapy dogs and their handlers, as well as puppies from the shelter, to the school during midterm exams.

The program not only allows students to relax before exams, but also provides the shelter pets with essential affection and socialization. After the success at Truckee High, the Humane Society approached North Tahoe High School as well, where the idea was quickly embraced.

“We were so excited to be a part of this program and start something new with dogs at the high school,” said Ellis. “The kids loved it and we’re hoping to continue this program during finals and make this a twice a year program for both high schools moving forward.”