On Dec. 2, Teen Empowerment partnered with Pet Partners, an international nonprofit specializing in animal-assisted therapy, to give stressed students a much-needed break from finals prep with a visit from trained therapy dogs.
Pet Partners brought in two therapy dogs, Charlie and Birdie. After school, students stopped by to play with the dogs and learn more about Pet Partners’ mission. Participants were also introduced to the variety of ways they can get involved.
Given that Bishop Gorman prides itself on academic rigor, lots of students find themselves overwhelmed as finals approach. Lowering these stress levels is central to Teen Empowerment’s mission, which is why when a previous volunteer for Pet Partners brought up the idea of a collaboration, Gorman was proud to host a meeting after school.
Board member Diya Patel ‘26 explained that the goal of the meeting was for students “to feel the satisfaction and optimism from spending time with animals which is truly rewarding.” She added that she hopes “students took away some positivity and got an energy boost from the dogs.”
Another board member, Loren Brown ‘26 agreed, noting that the event was meant to “give students another alternative to finding a way to let loose some anxiety.”
Participant Bella Flores ‘26 shared that these goals were fully met. She reflected that the dogs “can’t even talk or say anything to you but they still have such a warm and kind heart that can help much more than a million words can.”
Students widely expressed that they hope Teen Empowerment’s partnership with Pet Partners won’t be the last. Flores added, “Dogs are able to keep your mind off of other things that you have going on and even for 15 minutes they can do so much for you as you feel relieved and less stressed. I felt like I was ready to get my things done that I have been putting off for a while when I have a little time off with my dog and the dogs at school.”
Evidently, the event was highly effective in supporting Teen Empowerment’s mission to help students regulate stress. Pairing students with therapy dogs during the busiest time of the year offered a calming, uplifting break as they close out the semester.
