CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – First Lady Cathy Justice announced Thursday that schools in Summers County, Kanawha County, and Mercer County will be the first locations in 2023 to receive therapy dogs through the CIS Friends With Paws therapy dog program.
Hinton Area Elementary School in Summers County will receive a male Cream Labradoodle, Bridgeview Elementary School in Kanawha County will receive a male Yellow Labrador, and Oakvale Elementary School in Mercer County will receive a male Apricot and White Labradoodle.
“I’m so proud of this program and all it’s doing for CIS students,” First Lady Justice said. “I look forward to placing more therapy dogs in CIS schools this year. I know they will make such a difference at each of their schools.”
The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. Since April 2022, nine Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed in CIS schools across the state.
Therapy dogs are placed in schools within CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal.
The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues.