‘Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active,’ says COPE Service Dogs official

And when you can do that with the help of a four-legged friend, it’s even more special.

COPE Service Dogs has been providing a specialized connection between kids and dogs for more than 20 years with its innovative Canines in the Classroom program. It focuses on student mental health in a very ‘pawsitive’ way, says Deb James, COPE’s fund development officer and event co-ordinator.

“This program matches students who are experiencing challenges in school with service dogs/puppies and teaches the students how to train them to become service or therapy dogs,” she says.

“Students experience improvements in mental health as they learn leadership and employability skills while earning high school credits.”

Click here for full article and photos!