Therapy dogs offer break from exams at North High

The Island Now
Students pet Barbie, a golden doodle therapy dog, on the North High front lawn after the conclusion of AP exams on May 8. (Photo courtesy of Great Neck Public Schools)
Students pet Barbie, a golden doodle therapy dog, on the North High front lawn after the conclusion of AP exams on May 8. (Photo courtesy of Great Neck Public Schools)

The North High School Animal Rights Club welcomed representatives from Therapy Dogs of Long Island and their furry friends to help ease stress and anxiety as students prepare for end-of-the-year exams.

The Animal Rights Club arranged therapy dog visits at North High over three dates in May and June. The visits coincide with the administration of Advanced Placement (AP) exams and final exams.

Terry Gallogly of the Therapy Dogs of Long Island, holding shichon Pumpkin, is joined by North High Animal Rights Club members Alexandra Delafraz and Sophia Mahfar, club advisor Jordana Cohen, and club member Ava Spielman, who is with Barbie, a golden doodle. (Photo courtesy of Great Neck Public Schools)
Terry Gallogly of the Therapy Dogs of Long Island, holding shichon Pumpkin, is joined by North High Animal Rights Club members Alexandra Delafraz and Sophia Mahfar, club advisor Jordana Cohen, and club member Ava Spielman, who is with Barbie, a golden doodle. (Photo courtesy of Great Neck Public Schools)

The Club teamed up with Therapy Dogs of Long Island to provide this opportunity for all North High students. During the dogs’ first visit on May 8, students of all grade levels were invited to take a short break from their busy school schedule to pet therapy dogs Barbie, a golden doodle, and Pumpkin, a shichon, on the school’s front lawn. Students could participate during a free period, or as a class escorted by their teacher.

The service animals at Therapy Dogs of Long Island are professionally trained to bring comfort to individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, and homes.

The Animals Rights Club, initiated at North High in 2005, works to spread awareness about animal cruelty and inhumane actions against animals around the world. Members also fundraise throughout the year to support organizations that protect at-risk animals. The club advisor is Jordana Cohen, school counselor at North High.

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