Bristol, Tennessee, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Tennessee Middle School in Bristol welcomes a new therapy dog named Honey. This six-month-old goldendoodle will help reduce anxiety and stress for students and staff. Principal Luke Douthat reports positive responses, as Honey greets students during drop-off and navigates the school corridors. The therapy dog program is part of the Beyond Ordinary Learning Opportunities Act, aimed at improving student well-being across participating schools with funding from the Tennessee Department of Education.
Bristol, Tennessee Welcomes Therapy Dog to Support Student Well-Being
A six-month-old goldendoodle named Honey has officially joined the therapy dog program at Tennessee Middle School in Bristol. This initiative is designed to alleviate anxiety and stress among students and staff, enhancing overall emotional health within the school community.
Principal Luke Douthat has reported overwhelmingly positive responses from students who are eager to interact with Honey. They have expressed excitement about her presence, which will be felt throughout the school day. Honey is slated to greet students in the car line during morning drop-off and in the bus line after school. Additionally, she will navigate the school corridors during class changes, making her approachable and accessible for students seeking comfort and companionship.
This therapy dog initiative is part of a wider pilot program, called the Beyond Ordinary Learning Opportunities Act (BOLO), which was passed in 2024. The act aims to implement therapy dog programs in five public schools across Tennessee for the 2024-25 academic year. Schools selected for participation include Bristol Tennessee High School, Central Elementary School, North Stewart Elementary School, Sequatchie Middle School, and University Middle School.
Each chosen school has received a grant of $10,000 from the Tennessee Department of Education to support the implementation of the therapy dog programs. Principal Douthat noted that therapy dog programs have proven successful at Tennessee High School, where they have provided emotional support to students, reduced classroom stress and anxiety, improved academic engagement, and diminished discipline referrals.
Evidence of the positive impact of these programs can already be seen at Central Elementary School, where the absenteeism rate significantly dropped from 13.7% to 6.8% between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. This indicates that the support framework provided by therapy dogs can lead to improved attendance and overall well-being of students.
As part of the pilot program, the Tennessee Department of Education aims to collect data to assess the broader impact of these therapy dogs on student well-being. Some schools have already begun to introduce their therapy dogs, such as University Middle School’s “Simone” and Bristol High School’s “Jingle.” However, it is worth noting that out of the selected counties, only Stewart County has completed the process of selecting a trainer for their therapy dog, while others are still in various stages of training logistics.
The inclusion of therapy dogs in schools marks a significant move toward prioritizing the mental and emotional health of students, fostering an environment where they can thrive both academically and socially. As more schools continue to adopt these programs, the benefits can help develop supportive educational environments where students feel valued and understood.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the therapy dog program at Tennessee Middle School?
The therapy dog program aims to reduce anxiety and stress among students and staff, promoting overall emotional well-being within the school community.
How was the program funded?
Each participating school received a grant of $10,000 from the Tennessee Department of Education to support the implementation of the therapy dog programs.
What schools are participating in the pilot program?
The participating schools include Bristol Tennessee High School, Central Elementary School, North Stewart Elementary School, Sequatchie Middle School, and University Middle School.
What impact have therapy dogs had in other schools?
Therapy dogs in other schools have reportedly provided emotional support, reduced stress and anxiety in classrooms, improved academic engagement, and decreased discipline referrals. For example, Central Elementary School saw a notable drop in absenteeism rates.
Key Features of the Therapy Dog Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Therapy Dog | Honey, a six-month-old goldendoodle, introduced at Tennessee Middle School. |
| Aim of the Program | To reduce anxiety and stress among students and staff. |
| Funding | $10,000 grant from Tennessee Department of Education for each school. |
| Participating Schools | Bristol Tennessee High School, Central Elementary School, North Stewart Elementary School, Sequatchie Middle School, University Middle School. |
| Impact | Reported improvements in emotional support, reduced stress, and better attendance rates. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tennessee Online Public School Now Open for Enrollment
Bristol Schools Welcome Therapy Dog Jingle
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Therapy Dog Honey Joins Tennessee Middle School
- Google Search: Therapy Dogs
- WSMV: Therapy Dog Pilot Program Underway in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Therapy Dog
- Fox17: BOLO Acts Therapy Dog Initiative in Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WKRN: Bill Authorizing Therapy Dogs in Tennessee Schools
- Google News: Therapy Dogs Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
