Staff Report

CHARLESTON — Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School has a new best friend named Farley.

On Wednesday, First Lady Cathy Justice visited the school and announced Farley’s arrival, a male Golden Retriever who is a therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program. According to a news release from her office, Flora, a female Golden Retriever, was also placed at Spencer Middle School.

“I truly believe that everyone should experience the incredible presence of a therapy dog,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “Today, Flora and Farley demonstrated their remarkable ability to provide comfort and support from the moment they arrived. There is no doubt in my mind that these wonderful dogs will become invaluable assets to Spencer Middle and Point Pleasant High School. Both Roane and Mason counties are fortunate to welcome these loving companions into their communities.”

While speaking at PPJ/SHS, Gov. Jim Justice and Babydog arrived at the school, catching the First Lady by complete surprise. 

“The Friends With Paws program is truly one of the most successful initiatives we have in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “These two dogs will make wonderful additions to their new schools. Babydog and I are so proud to have participated in today’s celebration at Point Pleasant High School, and anytime we can catch the First Lady by surprise, it makes the day even better.” 

According to the news release, the Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several Communities In Schools sites across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. As of today, 35 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed across the state.

Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

Following today’s assembly, students and staff had the chance to greet Farley.

“I am extremely grateful to our First Lady Cathy Justice, Communities In Schools, and everyone else that made this possible for our school family,” Principal of PPJ/SHS Bill Cottrill said. “Farley will undoubtedly bring immense joy, comfort, and emotional support to our students and staff. This kindness and generosity has provided us with a valuable companion who will positively impact countless lives.”

The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education. 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.

More information about Friends With Paws can be found in Communities In Schools: Friends With Paws, a documentary produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Click HERE to view the documentary.
 
A 2019 study published by the National Institute of Health found that a dog’s presence in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.
 
In addition, research shows that the simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Therapy animals’ lower anxiety and help people relax, provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and increase mental stimulation. They are also shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, reduce the number of medications some people need, help control breathing in those with anxiety, and diminish overall physical pain, among other profound benefits.

Information for this article provided by the office of First Lady Cathy Justice. View Gov. Justice’s photo album from Wednesday’s visit here.