Dogs Inspire BHS Students to Give Back

Bloomfield Hills Schools' therapy dog program benefits students in a variety of ways, including a reduction of anxiety and stress, improved behavior, and greater self esteem. It also fosters a love for dogs and the desire to give back. Many of our students have participated in service activities that help our furry friends!

In February, Bowers Academy student Lexi Roll (grade 11) took great initiative and organized a field trip for over 20 classmates to volunteer with the animals at the Michigan Animal Rescue League in Pontiac. Roll’s love of animals, desire to help rescue organizations, and the freedom to execute a personal project through the independent studies available to students at Bowers was the inspiration to arrange this event. In addition, prior to their visit, Roll worked hard to collect donations for the shelter, and was elated when the community all contributed, stating, “It was the best outcome I could’ve hoped for. Every day that something new came in was the best. I am very happy and proud of the community.” Once at the shelter, the students made enrichment toys for the animals, but more importantly, spent time with the dogs and cats. This not only was a treat for the animals, but also gave the staff at MARL a break, who are the daily providers of enrichment, care, and love to every animal there. Roll was pleasantly surprised with how smoothly the field trip went, saying, “My goal was to see and do something that would benefit all the animals, promote MARL, and also teach my classmates how important shelters like MARL are. I hoped it would inspire my classmates, if in the future they wanted a pet, to look toward a local shelter.”  Roll’s biggest takeaway was the volunteering aspect and how it brought classmates together in a common goal,, “Volunteering is so important, because you put yourself to the side and join other people in working to make the world just a little bit better. While we were laughing and playing with puppies, it was definitely a reminder to not take life so seriously and to focus on all the good that's around us.”

Grade 4 students at Way Elementary recently demonstrated the power of kindness and community involvement. After learning about the devastating California Wildfires and the animals impacted by them, these young leaders decided to step up and make a difference. The students worked together to raise an impressive $618.68 for the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping animals displaced by the wildfires. This fundraising effort was integrated into their math and money lessons, providing a real-world connection to the concepts they were learning. In addition to the fundraising, the students rolled up their sleeves and made 32 fleece dog blankets to donate to the Oakland County Animal Shelter in Pontiac. These cozy blankets will provide comfort and warmth to animals in need.

As a part of the occupational therapy lesson, students in Room 5 at Wing Lake Development Center made homemade dog treats using oats, pumpkin, and Wowbutter. They took a field trip to the Michigan Animal Rescue League to hand deliver the treats. Students focused on various skills tailored to their individual abilities, while collectively enhancing their active reach, upper body strength, and grip strength. They explored cause and effect through the adaptive blender switch and practiced purposeful release, constructive play, and the act of putting items in a container. Additionally, they improved their attention to tasks and increased participation in classroom activities. Bimanual coordination was developed through activities like opening packages and stabilizing bowls while stirring. The students were also exposed to diverse sensory inputs by feeling, seeing, and smelling the ingredients. Furthermore, they practiced social skills while passing ingredients and engaged with the community during delivery activities.