This past Thursday, April 23rd, the library hosted therapy dogs to keep people company and help those who may need comfort. If you wanted to come in at 12:35, you would have needed a special pass to see those dogs and talk to both the dogs and the trainers who have worked with them for years, making sure they are ready to provide therapy to people who need it. Because the library was holding makeup tests for Freshmen who missed the ACT Aspire on Wednesday, the dogs weren’t able to make it into the library or into a different room being used for preparations for the upcoming pep rally.

These therapy dogs have been coming to Sahuaro’s library every fourth Thursday of the month. This year marks the fourth year that they have been visiting our school.

Ms. Krieg, Sahuaro’s librarian, said that the dogs come in so that “People can come in and pet the dogs if they are feeling anxious.” The dogs come in every month before testing begins to help both students and staff alike when they need that small relief. “Both the students and the teachers can come in to see these dogs and pet them when they need to.”

Ethan Russell, a Freshman at Sahuaro who visited the dogs this year, said that his favorite part is “petting the dogs.”

While students and staff enjoy the feeling of petting these dogs and taking their time to let their minds catch up, the dogs also experience the joy of having their hard work pay off for all the people who need their service. Each of the dogs is unique and sure to love their job as they not only help with anxiety in people, but also allow people to get a break from whatever may be causing them stress at the given moment.

Be sure to watch for any information about therapy dogs in the library, especially around the testing time, so you can come meet all of the wonderful dogs that come in for people.