FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
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Governor and First Lady Justice introduce newest Friends With Paws therapy dog at Greenbrier East High School
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LEWISBURG, WV — Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice visited Greenbrier East High School today for an assembly to celebrate the arrival of the state’s next therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program.
The dog introduced at today’s event is named Ruby. She is a Golden Retriever.
“Ruby loves everyone she meets and is bound to brighten your day like Babydog does for my family,” Gov. Justice said. “It is truly inspiring to see so many schools across West Virginia participating in our Communities In Schools program, and the First Lady and I cannot be more proud of this incredible program. We thank you all for welcoming Ruby with open arms, and I know she will be a beloved member of the Spartan family."
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“Ruby is a wonderful addition to Greenbrier East High School,” First Lady Justice said. “I know she will make a big difference in the lives of the students. Jim and I are so proud to introduce Ruby to her new home today.”
“From the first time I met Ruby, I realized how much of a difference she will make in the culture of the school,” Superintendent of Greenbrier County Schools Jeff Bryant said. “Amidst students’ challenges, she’ll offer daily support and become an asset to the school. Her presence will bring such solace and peace to the students.”
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The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. Since April 2022, thirteen Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed across the state.
Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
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Following today’s assembly, students and staff had the chance to greet Ruby.
The Friends With Paws program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, West Virginia Communities In Schools (CIS) Nonprofit, and the West Virginia Department of Education. Therapy dogs are placed in schools within CIS counties where students are disproportionately affected by poverty, substance misuse, or other at-risk situations, and are in the greatest need of a support animal. The dogs serve as a healthy and friendly outlet for these students to address trauma and other social-emotional issues.
Schools that previously received therapy dogs through the Friends With Paws program include:
- Coal, a male Black Labrador, at Welch Elementary, McDowell County
- Foster, a male Golden Labradoodle, at Buckhannon Academy Elementary, Upshur County
- Jasper, a female Yellow Labrador, at Lewis County High School, Lewis County
- River, a male Yellow Labrador, at Pineville Elementary School, Wyoming County
- Shadow, a male Black Labrador, at Moorefield Elementary School, Hardy County
- Jet, a male Yellow Labrador, at Spring Mills High School, Berkeley County
- Kylo, a male Black Labrador, at Lenore PK-8 School, Mingo County
- Winnie, a female Apricot and White Labradoodle, at Wayne Elementary School, Wayne County
- Kasha, a female Yellow Labrador, at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, Pocahontas County
- Marshal, a male Cream Labradoodle, at Hinton Area Elementary School, Summers County
- Louie, a male Yellow Labrador, at Bridgeview Elementary School, Kanawha County
- Oakley, a male Apricot and Cream Labradoodle, at Oakvale Elementary School, Mercer County
More information about Friends With Paws can be found in Communities In Schools: Friends With Paws, a documentary produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Click HERE to view the documentary.
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A 2019 study published by the National Institute of Health found that a dog’s presence in the classroom promotes positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.
In addition, research shows that the simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Therapy animals lower anxiety and help people relax, provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and increase mental stimulation. They are also shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, reduce the amount of medications some people need, help control breathing in those with anxiety, and diminish overall physical pain, among other profound benefits.
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