The school has added a new four-legged member to its counseling team.

As students fill the hallways every morning, Roxy patiently waits in the English hallway to greet students on their way to class. Roxy, who belongs to English teacher Keri Lauxman, is a golden retriever.

“I got her as a puppy, and so she’s 5 years old now,” Lauxman said. “I have had her ever since she was weaned from her litter, and she has been with me as my household pet.”

Roxy is now a certified therapy dog after taking classes and passing tests.

“She has been in puppy class and then she took dog obedience classes as she grew up. It became really obvious that she was real trainable, and so she just lent herself really well to a therapy position,” Lauxman said. “I pursued it further and got her into AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, and she passed that obedience test, and then from there we went on and did one more class and passed that test. At that point, the trainer suggested that we do the TDI, which is the Therapy Dog International, so she has a CGC and the TDI certifications.”

In high school, whether it be school related or otherwise, stress is inevitable. Studies show that animals can reduce anxiety, and contact with them can release endorphins that have a calming effect.

“She is perfectly content to sit and be petted, and there is research to support that the petting of an animal and being in the presence of a calm animal, like Roxy, does in fact have physiological responses that decrease of anxiety, ” Lauxman said. “Unconditional love and acceptance is great for us, so I knew that she would be terrific at it. Her favorite part is just doing what she does best and just being loved.”

Students like the dog as well. The students who have classes with Roxy have made it clear that the atmosphere is a lot different in their classes with Roxy.

“The vibe is totally different,” freshman Isabel Hardy said, “because Roxy brings a joy to the classroom and makes everyone smile and happy.”

Roxy doesn’t just sit aside and watch the students. She has been known to come up to students and lay her head on their laps.

“She comes over and you can pet her,” sophomore Hunter Taylor said. “She puts her head on your lap, and you can pet her”

Lauxman said Roxy loves being around and playing with students but asks that she is not fed. Rather than showing love to Roxy by feeding her, Lauxman asks that students give all their love and attention to her instead.

Some students hope Roxy might inspire other teachers to bring in therapy animals of their own.

“If there were more therapy animals in the school… students will benefit from it because having an animal in the class will keep everyone happy and on task,” Hardy said.