Man’s best friend has officially joined the ranks of Bryan ISD. In a time when anxiety and stress are rising among students, the district is turning to an unlikely, yet heartwarming, solution: comfort dogs.
“The Education Foundation first had this idea almost two years ago,” Sarah Braden, Bryan ISD Education Foundation executive director, said. “After brainstorming with the board and researching possible challenges, we worked with administrators and principals to move the plan forward and eventually announced the program districtwide.”
The PAWS program (Providing Assistance With Support) aims to create calmer, more welcoming environments on every campus.
“We hope to see absence rates decrease as students feel school is a calm, stress-free environment,” Braden said. “We also hope teachers and staff will benefit from this resource and that comfort dogs will help foster a sense of belonging across every campus.”
Students have responded positively to the district’s focus on mental health. Believing that such a change will make a great impact on the entire campus.
“I thought it was a really good idea and that it could help a lot of people,” freshman Kaitlynn Weston said. “I could see it making a real difference on campus.”
Not only was this appreciation held by Kaitlynn, but by many other students who echo her satisfaction towards the district for prioritizing mental health.
“It tells me that the district is really looking out for us to make our school experience better,” senior Raymundo Torres said. “They’re showing us they don’t want us to freak out over everything and that they care about our well-being.”
When Bryan ISD researched ways to help students open up about their stress, comfort dogs quickly stood out as an effective and approachable option.
“Pets have a way of disarming people,” lead counselor Justin Estes said. “It’s easier to open up when you’re more comfortable.”
For many students, the dogs provide the same reassurance as a trusted friend might give.
“They’d have a little bit of support by their side, just a little animal that could understand them,” Weston said. “It’s like having a friend who’s always there.”
That sense of safety is key to making students feel comfortable.
“I think it could make kids feel safer,” Weston said. “Just knowing the dog is there would give students comfort.”
Mental health plays a major role in the lives of students because academic and social success rely heavily on good mental health.
“Along with academics, mental health is one of the biggest parts of a student’s life in high school and school in general,” Torres said. “If you have a negative mindset, you’re more likely to fail because you just don’t have uplifting energy or motivation.”
Torres’ words echo the concerns of school counselors who witness firsthand how mental health impacts learning.
“Anxiety has a direct effect on classroom performance,” Estes said. “It’s hard to focus when you’re overwhelmed or worried.”
A dog can ease you into moments that hold high expectations; spending even a little time with one can make it seem as though there is nothing to worry about.
“I think they would be most helpful during stressful moments like tests or projects,” Torres said. “If students are really overwhelmed, they could play with the dog, have fun, and forget about the stress for a bit.”
The schools that are receiving dogs are not chosen at random; there is a precise review process that must be followed beforehand.
“Schools are selected through a thorough application and review process that includes Education Foundation members, district employees, and Interquest CARES,” Braden said. “This ensures that the placements meet the needs of each campus.”
The district also acknowledges that every student’s path to wellness looks different.
“Different things work for different people,” Estes said. “Some respond to mindfulness like breathing or meditation, while others prefer exercise or talk therapy.”
Anxiety and depression remain some of the biggest challenges among students.
“We have a significant number of students facing anxiety and depression,” Estes said. “This has especially increased since COVID.”
For many, a dog’s calming energy can provide immediate relief.
“I’m always happier when there’s a dog around,” Estes said. “Dogs have a calming presence that can make things feel less stressful.”
The Education Foundation is funding the PAWS program with help from community partners.
“The foundation provides the base funding for the program through our general operating budget,” Braden said. “We also work with community sponsors, families, and businesses to underwrite costs and provide services like veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.”
Over the next seven years, Bryan ISD plans to expand the initiative across all campuses.
“Our goal is to place three to four comfort dogs per year until all 23 campuses have their own,” Braden said. “We expect districtwide implementation to be achieved over the next seven years.”
Ultimately, the program aligns with Bryan ISD’s broader mission to support students as whole individuals.
“The PAWS Program aligns with our mission by providing much-needed mental and emotional support for the Bryan ISD community,” Braden said. “By receiving this support, our campuses will be better equipped for learning and instruction and will be a place of belonging, peace, and comfort.”
Building on that mission, Braden shared how the program was designed to address gaps in student and staff support.
“When the board and staff were looking to launch a new permanent initiative, we wanted to meet a need that was being underserved,” Braden said. “The comfort dog program can have a campus-wide impact for all students and staff.”
As anxiety continues to challenge both students and teachers alike, Bryan ISD hopes PAWS will bring more than comfort; it will bring connection.
“Anxiety has never been higher for our students and staff,” Braden said. “Providing a comfort dog as a reliable source of support allows students and staff to experience increased peace, comfort, and hope.”
