Murphy the Therapy Dog: Spreading Joy and Support at J. Turner Hood

We are lucky to have a very special and frequent member of our school community—Murphy, my certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International (TDI). Murphy brings a calm and joyful presence to our school. From greeting students at arrival with wagging tail and plenty of smiles, to children stopping to pet him before starting their day, moments like this remind us just how much of a positive impact animals can have on children’s well-being and sense of belonging.

A Special Gift from a Student

Murphy even received a special gift—a beautiful seashell from Bianca! It was such a thoughtful gesture, and Murphy seemed to appreciate it as much as we did. Moments like these highlight the meaningful connections students can make with him.

The Murphy Story: From Observation to Success: How Murphy Became Our Therapy Dog

The professional community in our school noticed a growing need for emotional support among our students. Teachers often shared concerns about how emotional challenges were affecting academic performance in the post-pandemic era. After researching innovative interventions, we became intrigued by the idea of incorporating therapy dogs into our school environment.

We began with a pilot program featuring a guest therapy dog named Logan. Observational data showed immediate positive effects: students were calmer, more focused, and more engaged after interacting with Logan. Encouraged by these results, we decided to make the program permanent and welcomed Murphy, a golden doodle puppy, as our resident therapy dog.

Murphy underwent rigorous training and quickly became a cherished member of our community, supporting students in multiple ways:

• Emotional Support: Students seek Murphy for comfort during challenging moments.

• Reading Sessions: Murphy encourages reluctant readers to engage and share stories.

• Morning Greeter: He starts each day spreading joy and positivity to staff and students alike.

Follow-up data shows measurable improvements in student emotional well-being, reduced behavioral disruptions, and overwhelming support from parents and teachers. Additionally, Murphy spends time with students (and adults) experiencing uneasiness.

Murphy’s presence is more than just a wagging tail—he is a symbol of care, calm, and connection. At J. Turner Hood, we are proud to have him as part of our school family, helping students thrive both academically and emotionally.