The end of the term is approaching, and many students at San Marcos are experiencing feelings of anxiety and stress. The grades that students have at the end of this term are important as they are the first final grade for the school year, with all of the grades for each term adding up. Most students worry about their grades in their classes if they get too low, or if they have an overwhelming amount of missing assignments. With all of this stress lingering in the air, the school has decided to bring back Therapy Dogs at lunch.
Santa Barbara Therapy Dogs have come to our school various times before, usually at the end of a term or semester. The organization’s mission is to empower people to live more fulfilling lives through a connection to animals. They have over 50 different therapy dogs who visit different places such as elementary schools, high schools, senior living facilities, and local colleges. Their main goal is to help people learn how bonding with animals can be therapeutic.
One of the most popular programs SB therapy dogs offers is the Santa Barbara Airport therapy dog program, where dogs and staff members can be found greeting passengers in terminals or interacting with airport workers. The dogs only visit on certain days and months throughout the year, but it is surely a warm welcome for visitors arriving in Santa Barbara or a perfect way to end a trip for visitors who are departing. Santa Barbara therapy dogs also have other programs like ARF and Wag Well. ARF is a literacy program for young children that gives them the opportunity to read aloud to therapy dogs so that they can improve their reading skills and discover a love to read. Reading to the dogs helps children feel safe and comfortable, no matter what level of reading they are at, and being near the dogs helps them relax if they are feeling anxious. Various elementary schools have participated in this program including Aliso Elementary school, Harding Elementary school, Solvang Elementary school, and Oak Valley Elementary school. Wag Well is similar to ARF, as it is a program that connects children with therapy dogs and helps them learn how to de-stress with the assistance of the dogs. It has been very effective since launching in 2019; over 2,500 young children and teachers have been taught how the power of therapy dogs can help them to feel inner peace and be more focused at school.
The last time that the therapy dogs came to San Marcos was on January 24, 2024, during finals week of the first semester. Three dogs were in the Quad along with SB therapy dogs team members. Students expressed that they thoroughly enjoyed their time meeting and petting the dogs, many stating that they felt much more relaxed afterward.
“I think the therapy dogs are so cute and it’s a really good idea, especially during midterms right now which can make people stressed,”said San Marcos junior Gemma Cooper.
The dogs will be returning to campus on Wednesday, October 16th at lunch, just in time for the first term of the school year to end on Thursday, October 17th. Students have already begun expressing their excitement for the return of the therapy dogs, with so much time since their last visit, and the end of the term being a stressful time for most.
“I’m really excited about them coming to campus! I love that they’re coming right in time for midterms,” said San Marcos senior Caroline Barrios.
Feeling anxious and on edge? Plan to stay on campus on the 16th at lunch, because you will be able to meet some friendly dogs that love attention and love to meet new people, especially high school students. You will feel so much calmer after spending even five minutes with these dogs, and it will bring some much needed joy into your day. 
