Therapy Dog Program

Slippery Rock Area High School would like to introduce our friendliest and furriest staff member...Bailey! Stephanie Karwoski, one of our Guidance Counselors, brings Bailey to school on Thursdays to help with counseling students.

 

Bailey is a 6 year old Irish Setter Mix and has always appreciated being around people, which is what led Bailey to get certified as a Therapy Dog in 2021! He received this certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs Program. Bailey loves hanging out with the students and staff at Slippery Rock Area High School and has been doing so since the 23-24 school year. He also enjoys visiting with residents of various residential personal care facilities in the area. When Bailey is not working, he lives with the Karwoski family where he has 7 siblings (2 humans, 1 dog, 2 cats, and 2 guinea pigs). 

 

Therapy dogs are trained with their owner to promote emotional well-being for staff and students. Research has shown that therapy dogs increase school attendance and task completion, support social-emotional and academic growth, increase a sense of school-connectedness and reduce stress and anxiety.