By: Jordan Keifer

Jordan Keifer is a full diploma candidate in Lee County High School’s International Baccalaureate Programme. As part of the diploma, seniors are required to complete an in depth school/community service activity. Keifer’s project was completed on Friday, March 28. The following story is a first-hand account of the planning and aftermath of the event.

Walking onto a field and seeing a child’s face light up and hearing their squeals of excitement at the sight of a wagging tail is an unforgettable experience. 

That’s exactly what I wanted to bring to the Exceptional Children (EC) department at my school through my CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project. As a senior in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Lee County High School, I partnered with Moore County Therapy Dogs, part of the Moore County Citizens’ Pet Responsibility Committee (MCRPC), to provide students with the unique benefits of animal-assisted therapy.  

I’ve always been passionate about the ways animals can bring comfort, reduce anxiety, and encourage connection, especially for those who may struggle with traditional forms of communication. Many special needs students face challenges that can make social interactions or stressful situations overwhelming. Therapy dogs offer a sense of calm and companionship without judgment, making them a perfect way to provide emotional support in a school setting.  

Through this project, I wanted to create moments of joy and relaxation for these students, giving them a break from the daily pressures they may face. I’ve seen firsthand how a simple interaction with a therapy dog: petting their fur, receiving an enthusiastic nuzzle, or just sitting quietly beside them, can provide a sense of peace and happiness. This initiative wasn’t just about bringing dogs to school; it was about fostering a warm, inclusive environment where every student feels supported and appreciated.

When the first group of therapy dogs were brought out, the entire atmosphere the group of our EC students emitted changed from uncertainty to pure excitement and elation. Everyone was smiling, engaged in what our volunteers from MCPRC had to share, and interacting with the trained animals. While few students were still unsure about the therapy dogs, their anxiety quickly subsided and was almost completely eliminated when the second group containing dogs as large as a fully grown Newfoundland came in.

“I love dogs! I love this,” were the words that Mieyah, an EC student, was excited to tell me and all of her teachers when students were lining up to go back to class.

Being a part of the IB Programme has taught me the importance of service and taking action to make a difference. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of small acts of kindness, and I hope it inspires more programs to integrate therapy animals into education. Seeing the impact of this project has been incredibly rewarding, and I hope the connections made between these students and the therapy dogs continue to bring joy long after my time at Lee County High.