While rushing to class or wandering around the donut, many students may not notice a special kind of friend quietly sharing the space with them. As finals week approaches, you may see familiar faces appear. Also, when you enter the art wing, it’s hard not to smile while seeing two cute furry friends hanging around. As of today, the LHS campus has a total of four dogs named Franz, Gracie, Moose and Clarke. All of them have joyful memories of spending time with students in school.

“Franz provides comfort for students who need it. He sits with students, plays fetch or tug, and goes for walks with kids. He provides comfort, affection and support, which helps to lower stress and anxiety,” said learning specialist Rorey Risdon.

It feels very nice when you are in a bad mood and your dog comes up and sits with you.

Similar to Franz, Clarke is also one of our special friends who helps students.

“[Clarke] grumbles when he’s excited or happy,” said the learning specialist Annie Johnson.

It is unique when dogs grumble as a form of excitement.

“[Clarke] brings lots of joy and smiles, provides exercise for students from walks, soothes and regulates students’ anxieties from petting and lying with them!” said Johnson.

Moreso, if you walk near the ceramics and art rooms, you might see some other friends around. Moose and Gracie are always around to make students joyful.

“It is so fun to have [Moose] here for students. He has so many friends here who stop by everyday to see him! If you are having a bad day just swing by the ceramics room. Moose will cheer you up!” said ceramics teacher Michael Helle.

Dogs provide a very special kind of companionship that not only helps with your mood but also helps a lot in academics.

“Gracie has learned who is supposed to be in class and who isn’t,” said art teacher Micah Malone.

Whenever you are trying to sneak around, Gracie will catch you.