The simple idea behind the show is how the selfless act of caring for a dog transforms who we are as people.
This responsibility often awakens in us a greater understanding that all people, all creatures, are connected as one.
It helps us learn to love ourselves, connect with one another, and treat all living beings with empathy and respect.
Therapy dogs are sometimes found at the elementary school or college level – even in corporate settings. But high schools often tend to be left out of the picture. Through her organization, Empathic Paws, Dr. Jessica Maricevic is trying to change that.
Read MorePilley Bianchi is the Founder and Executive Producer of The Chaser Initiative, dedicated to educating young students about the power of 'play' and through dogs specifically. Her father, Dr. John Pilley, is best known for training Chaser the border collie to be "the smartest dog in the world."
Read MoreAs an elementary school teacher who also helps raise pups for the nonprofit Guide Dogs of America, Holly has seen firsthand how much a positive impact it can make to have dogs in the classroom environment.
Read MoreEllen Furlong specializes in the study of canine cognition, including a focus on dogs’ sense of smell. With her background in helping found Yale University’s Canine Cognition Center and now an Associate Professor of Psychology at Illinois Wesleyan University, including directing their Dog Cognition Lab, Ellen has an extensive history in studying our canine companions.
Read MoreDr. Clive Wynne is the Founding Director & Principal Investigator of Arizona State University’s Canine Science Collaboratory, as well as a Professor of Psychology at the university. In the Fall of 2019, Clive released a book entitled “Dog Is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You” that looked at how affection is the very essence of dogs, backed by scientific evidence. He had help in writing the book from his own dog, Xephos, who helped him form a greater understanding of the human to dog relationship.
Read MoreCara Zelas is a teacher whose dog, Little Dude, has done therapy work with her at hospitals and schools. After this experience, Cara decided to use her educational background to create a curriculum and a series of books to help young kids learn about lessons like kindness and empathy. Parents and teachers will likely find this helpful for teaching their kids – especially right now, while everyone is at home and learning remotely, but also really for any time you seek to expand children’s social and emotional intelligence.
Read MoreAudrey Hendler is the Founder and Executive Director of A Fair Shake, a program that uses the power of registered therapy dogs to help middle school children develop a foundation of empathy and self-esteem, and reduce bullying. As the kids learn to work with the dogs they learn about themselves and each other in ways that open up new possibilities for their lives.
Read MoreCourtney Burns works as the Middle School Director of Guidance, and 7th and 8th grade Counselor, at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School in Las Vegas. After tough times at the school, Courtney worked to bring in Esther - a therapy dog who has since helped the school, both the students and faculty, get through tough times and into a happier daily flow.
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