Pet Therapy Comes to Concordia

Last Wednesday, Concordia High School hosted its first pet therapy event, organized by Sustainable Success — the school’s mental health club — in partnership with the nonprofit organization Paw for Heal. The event brought seven therapy-trained dogs and cats to campus, offering students and faculty a calming and meaningful break during the high-pressure AP exam period.

Throughout the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to interact with the animals, learn about the benefits of pet therapy, and engage in conversations about mental wellness. The event created a welcoming space for relaxation, with many attendees expressing a sense of comfort and stress relief following their interactions with the therapy animals.

This initiative reflects Sustainable Success’s broader mission: to promote mental health awareness and normalize open discussions around emotional well-being. By introducing alternative forms of therapy, such as pet therapy, the club aims to expand the community’s understanding of mental health resources.

Students and faculty alike shared that spending time with the animals offered a calming refuge from academic and personal stressors, with many expressing interest in seeing the event return — ideally with even more time to engage with the therapy pets.

As Concordia continues to prioritize student well-being, this event serves as a meaningful reminder of the value of embracing diverse approaches to emotional care. With open hearts and minds, the community can continue building a culture that supports mental health in thoughtful and inclusive ways!