Dogs of all colors and sizes came to Scotts Valley High School last Thursday, giving students the chance to de-stress between finals.
SVHS junior Ava Davis, said that she chose Furry Friends to come to her school as a project to help students relax.
“Every year as a student government leader, you do a certain event to make our school better. I felt that a health and wellness week would be a good idea as school comes to a close — when people are stressed and worried about finals.”
Davis said she spent a whole year on her project.
“I chose Furry Friends to come because I knew they go out to organizations and help people de-stress through their dogs,” she said. “What better way to destress than have puppies come. Everyone loves puppies. People are really surprised and going crazy.”
Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services began in 1983 in San Jose when a veterinarian technician’s 9-year-old daughter came down with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that eventually took her life. The mother noticed that one of the few things that had lifted her daughter’s spirits was being with her cat.
Students cheered, fist-pumped, and gave thumbs up to Ava, as the dogs spent their lunch break with the furry friends.
Junior Allie Carl said the experience of petting the dogs was amazing.
“They’re helping me to decompress right now,” she said. “I have a little Maltese at home named Chloe. She would love to be here, too. She’s a people person.”
Student Jack Beyk, who does not have a dog, said, “I’ve never seen dogs at school and it’s really cool. Petting the dogs is helping me to relax and get ready for my next test this afternoon.”
James Merlo agreed, saying he loved having the puppies there.
“It’s like a dream come true. I’ve always wanted a dog, but I’ve never had one,” he said. “These are just awesome. I wish we had ‘puppy day’ every day. I have a math final next period, and I’m learning about how this little dog was rescued from Mexico.”
Chasca, a little blonde terrier mix at his feet, was found in Mexico at a food market by her Furry Friend volunteer, Masha Fellman, who lives in Felton.
Today the all-volunteer group helps schools like SVHS, UCSC, and Cabrillo; libraries, and nursing homes.
For more information, contact www.furryfriends.org.
