Support Dogs Help Ease the Pain as Oxford Students Return to School [VIDEO]

As many students in the Oxford school district return to class this week, school officials have brought in emotional support dogs to help students ease back into their school routine.

Why Are Therapy Dogs Being Deployed at Oxford Schools?

The November 30 tragedy at Oxford High School has left many students, staff, and parents nervous about making the transition back to school.

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The district says emotional support animals will provide comfort for students who are understandably nervous about returning to school.

JIll Lemond is the Assistant Superintendent for Oxford Community Schools. She tells WDIV that she knew students and staff members would be anxious about their return to school.

"We made sure to have the dogs not only in the hallways as kids were coming and going in the buildings but then also making individual classroom stops throughout the day," she said.

 

How Are Support Animals Provided for Oxford Students?

Several groups have stepped in to provide support animals to help ease students back into the learning environment. Dogs are being provided by K-9 Advocacy, Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs, Lutheran Charities, and the Brighton school district.

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Only some of Oxford schools have resumed in-person classes. The high school will remain closed as the shooting investigation continues.