Littleton Police Assign Therapy Dog to Heritage High School

The Littleton Police Department has assigned a therapy dog named Thistle to serve students at Heritage High School.

The initiative aims to foster a stronger connection between law enforcement and youth while providing emotional support. By integrating a therapy animal into the school environment, officials intend to promote overall student wellness and safety.

Thistle is a Newfoundland ^[1]. The dog is two years old ^[1]. This breed is often selected for therapy work due to its gentle nature and size, which can provide a calming presence for students facing stress or anxiety.

The partnership between the police department and the high school creates a non-traditional point of contact for students. Rather than interacting with officers only during disciplinary actions or emergencies, students can engage with the department through the presence of the therapy dog.

School officials and police representatives said the goal is to increase the feeling of safety on campus. The presence of Thistle is intended to act as a bridge, making the school environment feel more supportive and connected.

This program follows a growing trend of using animal-assisted interventions in educational settings. These programs are designed to lower cortisol levels and improve the social-emotional climate of the classroom, factors that can lead to better academic outcomes.

Thistle will be available to students at Heritage High School as part of this ongoing wellness effort. The Littleton Police Department will continue to oversee the dog's integration into the campus community.