Out of all of the societal expectations students face, academic pressure can often be the most stressful. Between fast-paced classes and a competitive culture, students at WA rarely have time to reset their minds during school hours. Yet, there’s one crucial mental health resource at WA that comes in an untraditional form: a fluffy golden retriever.
WA’s therapy dog, Hamlet, was introduced to students in 2024. Throughout Hamlet’s short time at WA, he has already been able to ease the stress of the school day, making him entirely worth the resources and time of the administration.
Anytime I’ve been offered the chance to visit Hamlet during lunch, I always take the opportunity. Being able to pet and spend time with him has noticeably improved my mood throughout the day.
Interacting with therapy dogs also helps build social skills and improve the communication of children, as the dogs are professionally trained to decrease students’ anxiety. One small interaction with Hamlet will not only benefit a student’s mood, but also foster a connection between them and the golden retriever.
“Students who may arrive feeling anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed tend to relax physically and emotionally when interacting with Hamlet. Smiles appear quickly, and conversations often feel lighter and more open,” alternative education teacher Loren Doucette said.
According to alternative education teacher Tracy Murphy, Hamlet helps students feel safer in their classrooms by creating a culture where emotional regulation and connection is normalized.
If you have a high pressure exam on your mind, go and visit Hamlet to reduce your stress levels. Just five minutes out of your day will drastically change the course of your mood by helping you feel significantly less stressed about any exam or project.
One study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, shows that petting a dog can lower the stress hormone cortisol which increases the levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin. The cortisol-lowering oxytocin boost can benefit students’ blood pressure by keeping it low. This further shows how Hamlet’s presence at the school will not only benefit your mental health but your physical health too.
According to the Behavior Health Clinic, being able to trust someone is a key factor to any form of successful therapy. With the help of therapy dogs, people are able to gain trust rapidly and be more aware of their emotions, ultimately creating a decrease in mental health challenges and an increase in one’s overall well-being. After recurring visits with Hamlet, students’ will become more aware of the necessity that Hamlet is to WA.
While academics are a significant part of WA, it is important to remember to prioritize yourself first. If you are not feeling you’re best, then you won’t be able to do your best work either.
Having a dog to talk to for a laugh or simply a quick smile not only improves students’ academic performance, but it also changes their mental health for the better. I urge all WA students to stop by Hamlet at the guidance office if you ever need a quick pick-me-up, and experience first-hand the incredible improvements to your mood.
