Pawsitive Presence: Enhancing Well-being with a Therapy Dog
Help me give my students the emotional support and social connections they need by introducing a therapy dog program at our schools in Maquoketa. We need the supplies to care for the dog such as a Crate bed, crate, leash, and more.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Olson's classroom raised $488
This project is fully funded
My Project
Proposal for Introducing a Therapy Dog Program in Maquoketa
The rural community of Maquoketa, Iowa, has a strong commitment to the well-being of its residents.
We propose a therapy dog program at our schools to address the emotional and social needs of our students, aligning with the goals of the Iowa State Education Association.
Students today face challenges such as academic pressure, social anxiety, and mental health concerns. Rural communities often lack access to mental health resources, and many Maquoketa students experience emotional hurdles that affect their learning and well-being. A therapy dog can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote emotional regulation, and foster social interactions among students, creating a calming atmosphere in schools.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Emotional Support: Therapy dogs provide companionship, helping to soothe students during stressful situations.
Stress Reduction: Interacting with therapy dogs can lower cortisol levels and increase serotonin, reducing stress in a school setting.
Social Interaction: Therapy dogs encourage communication, helping students build friendships.
Improved Attendance and Engagement: Positive interactions with therapy dogs can motivate students to attend school and engage in activities.
Community Building: The program can strengthen relationships between students, families, and the community through events like “Meet the Therapy Dog” days.
Sustainability of the Program
To ensure success, we will establish partnerships with local organizations for support and training, involve families in fundraising efforts, and regularly assess the program's impact on student well-being.
Conclusion
The therapy dog program presents an opportunity to enhance the educational experience for Maquoketa students while fostering a supportive community environment. We urge the Iowa State Education Association to consider funding this initiative to create lasting, positive impacts on our students and the community. Together, we can pave the way for a healthier, happier future for the young minds of Maquoketa.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Dog Crate Bed Waterproof Deluxe Plush Dog Beds with Removable Washable Cover Anti-Slip Bottom Pet Sleeping Mattress for Large, Medium, Jumbo, Small Dogs, 29 x 18 inch, Black
• Amazon Business
$28.99
2
$57.98
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet , Divider Pane l & New Patented Features
• Amazon Business
$39.62
1
$39.62
Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Dog Bed, Indoor and Outdoor, Medium, Gunmetal
• Amazon Business
$33.82
1
$33.82
TwoEar 4FT 1IN Strong Red Dog Leash with 2 Padded Handles, Traffic Handle Extra Control, Comfortable Soft Dual Handle, Auto Lock Hook, Reflective walking Lead for Small Medium and Large Dogs
• Amazon Business
$14.98
2
$29.96
Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Metal Dog Bowl Set of 2, Rubber Base, Heavy Duty Feeding Dishes, Food Grade BPA Free, Less Sliding, Quiet Pet Bowls for Cats and Dogs, Holds 4 Cups (32 fl oz), Gray
• Amazon Business
$14.84
2
$29.68
Top Performance Fresh Pet Conditioner to Reduce Mats and Tangles, 17 Oz. Size – Conditioning Formula Gives Coats Sheen
• Amazon Business
$25.00
1
$25.00
Bolux Dog Harness, No-Pull Reflective Dog Vest, Breathable Adjustable Pet Harness with Handle for Outdoor Walking - No More Pulling, Tugging or Choking (Red, M)
• Amazon Business
$23.99
1
$23.99
Neater Pet Brands Neater Mat - Waterproof Silicone Pet Bowls Mat - Protect Floors from Food & Water (Gunmetal, 16" x 10" Silicone)
• Amazon Business
$9.99
2
$19.98
KIPRITII 25 Pack Various Puppy Dog Toys for Teething, Entertainment & Interaction, Puppy Chew Toys Pack with Rope Toys, Treat Balls and Dog Squeaky Toys for Puppy & Small Dogs
• Amazon Business
$14.44
1
$14.44
COCOYO Best Value Training Pads 30 Count | Dog Pee Pads | Super Absorbent Puppy Pads
• Amazon Business
$6.99
2
$13.98
Removable Dog Seat Belts Harness for Car, 3 in 1 Pet Dog Car Seatbelt Leash, laqibak Restraint Secures to Headrest and Reflective Effect Adjustable Bungee Dog Seatbelt Tether, 2PCS and Poop Bag Holder
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Bodhi Dog Natural Dog Cologne | Premium Scented Deodorizing Body Spray for Dogs & Cats | Dog Perfume w/Natural Dog Conditioner (Baby Powder, 4 Fl Oz)
• Amazon Business
$11.30
1
$11.30
Amazon Basics Dog Poop Bags With Dispenser and Leash Clip, Lavender Scented, 270 Count (18 Packs of 15), 13 Inch x 9 Inch
• Amazon Business
$10.21
1
$10.21
Dipoo Self Cleaning Shedding Brush - Skin Friendly Grooming Tool for Dogs, Cats, and Puppies, Deshedding and Hair Removal for Long and Short Haired Pets, Black
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Joytale Reflective Dog Collar,Soft Neoprene Padded Breathable Nylon Pet Collar Adjustable for Medium Dogs,Red,M
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Medium/Mini, Turquoise
• Amazon Business
$6.63
1
$6.63
Arm & Hammer Complete Care Dog Dental Spray, 6 Fl Oz | Mint Flavor Dog Dental Spray for Easy Brushless Cleaning | Baking Soda Enhanced Formula for Fresh Breath and Tartar Control
• Amazon Business
$6.24
1
$6.24
Materials cost
$354.80
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$24.30
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.32
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$414.42
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$73.13
Total project goal
$487.55
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$487.55
1 Donor
-$487.55
Donations toward project cost
-$414.42
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Olson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
