It is the mission of Paws for Pioneers to provide emotional, social, and academic support through the introduction and interaction of therapy certified dogs in Stillwater Public Schools. Through this program students, teachers, and guests have the opportunity to interact with therapy dogs. This approach has proven to improve student motivation and foster academic success, while lowering stress and anxiety.
Proven Success
Research strongly indicates that school therapy dogs can help reduce the effects of trauma, anxiety and stress in students/staff, significantly increase academic achievement, improve student behaviors, increase school attendance, and build confidence and social skills.
Interested in having a therapy dog team come to an event at your site? Fill out the Google Form and we will contact you pending appropriateness of request and availability!
Paws for Pioneers requires that all handler/dog teams certify through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Teachers then meet with their site principals and establish site-specific approval and expectations. Students are required to have a permission slip signed by a guardian and there are 3 levels of access.
Full access to petting, playing, etc.
Access to the same room as a dog/handler team but not allowed to pet/touch
No access
At each school, the dogs are introduced at assemblies and the proper "pet manners" are taught such as asking for permission before petting a dog, staying in line and following teacher directions when encountering a dog in the building, and staying calm and respectful of the dog's space. SPS also has guidelines about health and safety such as keeping dogs out of rooms where food is served. Each dog wears a vest identifying them as a therapy animal.
Junee is a celebrity at Stillwater Junior High spending her days giving love and receiving treats all over the building! She also makes frequent visits to athletics and central office.
Sunny is our newest therapy dog and works with school counselor, Mrs. Morton at Stillwater High School!
Clyde spends his days in 2nd grade at Will Rogers Elementary with Mrs. Coltharp.
Gizmo is Mrs. Lewis's number one helper. She is one of our district high needs counselors and Gizmo gets to visit with lots of children across our six elementary school sites.
Cali attends almost daily and works with a small portion of students in Ms. Embree's room - as well as with groups of students that need to take breaks and have "Cali time."
Millie spends her days at Skyline Elementary with Mrs. Diaz!
Sunny is our newest therapy dog and works with school counselor, Mrs. Morton at Stillwater High School! 
Cali attends almost daily and works with a small portion of students in Ms. Embree's room - as well as with groups of students that need to take breaks and have "Cali time."
Millie spends her days at Skyline Elementary with Mrs. Diaz! 