Developing Life Skills Through Man's Best Friend

Heartshare is so excited to welcome to a new program as well as new members of the team to our schools for children with disabilities. Bronx, once a stray, and Phaedra, a former Army Lieutenant Colonel, came from very different worlds, but they both found their way to HeartPaws, where they became the best of friends, teaching each other more about love, patience, and the fine art of chewing on car seat belts!

The new program, HeartPaws, places certified therapy dogs into classrooms on a regular basis, offering structured interactions that improve communication, sensory regulation, and social engagement for preschoolers with Autism. Within this program, trained canine handlers will accompany a certified therapy dog during classroom visits where teaching staff will actively support and guide student participation in structured activities with the dog. Safety measures, including hygiene protocols, structured seating arrangements, and staff supervision, will be followed at all times.

This program is specifically offered to students at our pre-k schools who are 3 to 5 years old and living with a developmental disability. This program offers numerous benefits for students, including the improvement of social, cognitive, and emotional development. Consistent therapy dog sessions are shown to reduce anxiety, encourage verbal communication, support self-regulation, promote sharing, support memory, encourage problem-solving, reduce fears, and increase engagement in the classroom.

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It's incredible to see the change in our students since Bronx arrived. Each is impacted differently, but it's all been so positive.

Danielle Elkins, Senior Vice President, Special Education

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