Red Creek High School Welcomes Boomer as New Therapy Dog Supporting Student Wellbeing
Red Creek High School Welcomes Boomer as New Therapy Dog Supporting Student Wellbeing
Red Creek High School is thrilled to welcome a friendly new staff member: Boomer, a four-year-old Golden Retriever-Lab mix who has joined the school as a certified therapy dog.
After completing the necessary observations in the certification process, Boomer is now officially recognized as a therapy dog and is ready to bring comfort, calm and connection to the Red Creek community.
“Animals bring so much joy,” said Amber Blasko, Red Creek High School counselor and Boomer’s handler. “When students are upset, he’s an unbiased, calm companion. He helps them regulate emotions and feel safe opening up.”
Therapy animals like Boomer have been shown to offer wide-ranging benefits in schools, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety by promoting comfort and calm.
- Encouraging communication for students who may find it difficult to express themselves verbally.
- Building trust and breaking down barriers to visiting the counseling office.
- Creating a sense of community by bringing students and staff together.
Blasko envisions Boomer’s day-to-day role as both relaxed and interactive: greeting students, providing quiet companionship in the counseling office, taking outdoor walks with students and eventually visiting the middle and elementary schools for educational opportunities about therapy animals.
Boomer’s cheerful personality makes him a natural fit for the job. “He’s a huge goofball and so sweet,” Blasko said. “He loves snuggles, being around people and making new friends. He hasn’t met a person he doesn’t like.”
While Red Creek High School had a therapy dog nearly a decade ago, Boomer’s arrival marks a fresh start for this kind of student support. “I’m really excited to bring this back,” said Blasko. “Therapy dogs are becoming more popular in schools, and it’s incredible to see how much positive energy they bring.”
Boomer was formally introduced at the October 15th Board of Education meeting. His first day at Red Creek High School will be Friday, October 17th.
With his friendly energy, comforting presence and boundless enthusiasm, Boomer is ready to make a paw-sitive impact at Red Creek High School.
