Therapy Animal Program Brings Comfort, Joy to Lamont Middle School Students

A heartwarming new program made its debut at Mountain View Middle School in the Lamont Elementary School District (LESD), offering students a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of animal companionship. The Paws-to-Share initiative officially launched Friday, March 7, bringing therapy animals to campus to provide emotional support and stress relief.

LESD Superintendent Lori Gonzalez highlighted the significance of the program, which is made possible through a partnership with Paws-to-Share, an organization that connects compassionate pet owners and their well-trained therapy animals with individuals who may benefit from their presence. Through visits from both dogs and cats, the program’s mission is simple yet impactful: to help students “just feel good.”

During the event, students had the chance to interact with therapy animals, experiencing firsthand the emotional and social benefits of pet companionship. Research has shown that spending time with animals can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being—making this initiative a valuable addition to the school’s support programs.

Paws-to-Share has been widely recognized for its efforts in schools, senior centers, and community spaces where animal-assisted therapy has been shown to enhance mental health and bring comfort to those in need.

For more information about Paws-to-Share, visit their website.