Friday, April 15, Valley Humane brought one pet therapy team, Chuck Deckert and Zoey, to bring some positivity to Amador students during lunch. 

“A benefit of coming to Amador for the dog is that it is a total love fest, they love the attention. For the students it’s a great thing, especially through the rigors of your classwork and anxiety from studying and the demands of schoolwork. It’s good to have the dogs come and hopefully reduce some of those anxieties and tensions,” said Chuck Deckert, a member of Zoey’s pet therapy team.

With upcoming AP tests, spring sports and many other extracurricular activities, students need a way to relieve stress. Many studies have shown that therapy dogs improve students’ mood, mental health and general anti-stress effects on the body.

“This week in particular has been a very bad week so my stress level on a scale of 1-10, I would say is about an 8 or a 9, and it was definitely nice to have some relief of seeing a little puppy on the lawn of Amador” said Hannah Baxter (‘22). 

Before being able to go to Amador and provide support, the dogs must go through some training and tests. 

“Zoey is part of the Valley Humane Society Therapy dog program. Initially when they enter the program there is a 10 part test that they have to pass. Once they pass the test initially they are in the program and get evaluated every year,” said Deckert. 

Zoey is a busy and loved dog; she visits many places. She gives support not only to Amador Valley students but to people all around Pleasanton. 

“She goes to senior facilities like sunrise and parkview here in Pleasanton. We also go to a lot of ‘Paws to Read’ programs at libraries and schools,” said Deckert. 

Amador plans to have therapy dogs every Friday for the rest of April, and students are hopeful to see Zoey next week.

“It’s something to look forward to, to get you through the entire week. It’s like oh yeah, dogs on friday, get excited!” said Baxter.