Coloma, MI: Therapy dog provide "emotional support" at elem school

Oct 10, 2025, WSBT: Therapy on Four Legs: Coloma Elementary students receive emotional support from collie 

https://wsbt.com/news/local/therapy-dog-emotional-support-students-kids-elementary-reading-literacy-training-nurture-children-coloma-michigan

COLOMA, Mich. (WSBT) — A new furry friend is boosting morale for teachers and students at Coloma Elementary.

A 1-year-old puppy named Mavis is the newest staff member to join the ranks at the school this year.

Mavis is trained to give each child undivided attention one at a time, even in a classroom of 30 students. . . .

Mavis visits the elementary school twice a week, following a schedule created by teachers that want a planned visit where students can take a quick break from their work.

"She also loves children. She really just likes people of all ages. When she comes through the door in the morning, her ears go back and her whole body's wagging. And whoever will give her love at that time, she's all about it. So, that's one very important component to being a therapy dog, because they're providing emotional support as well," said Contreras. . . .

While the school does give parents the option to opt out of time with Mavis, Principal Kelly Severin says during the first year, all students have permission to be around her, even the ones who still need practice warming up to her.

"What's really cool is those kids who maybe had a bad experience or are just afraid, you saw earlier, we had a kiddo in the hall who last year wouldn't go near Mavis and today she's petting her, cautiously, but petting her," said Severin.

Contreras says the next step is to plan more long-form classroom visits where Mavis can make her own way to each of the children through the duration of an entire class period.