In 2022, Menlo Park City School District in California partnered with 4 Pawz Strong to bring trained therapy dogs into schools throughout the district. Building on an existing school therapy dog pilot program, the district wanted to make the companionship and support of therapy dogs available to more students and staff.
The partnership brought together educators, community donors, school staff, and 4 Pawz Strong’s training team to establish a district-wide program that would become known as PAWZitivity.
Building on a Successful Pilot Program
Menlo Park’s interest in school therapy dogs began several years earlier with Eclair, a dog who became part of the school community at Hillview Middle School. Although the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the initial program, Eclair returned to regular classroom activities in fall 2021.
Students and educators responded positively to having Eclair at school. She spent time in classrooms, participated in lunchtime activities, and provided opportunities for students to interact with a dog during the school day.
Partnering With 4 Pawz Strong
In June 2022, Menlo Park City School District partnered with 4 Pawz Strong to help prepare therapy dogs for its schools. The organization brought experience from developing and supporting therapy dog programs in Michigan, including the Brighton Area Schools Pack of Dogs.
With financial support from the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, the district moved forward with plans to establish a more extensive program. The initial announcement introduced five puppies being prepared for school placements: Millie, Patches, Cali, Sunny, and Duke.
The dogs spent their early months training with the 4 Pawz Strong team in Michigan. Their preparation included foundational obedience, socialization, and experiences in different environments to help them become comfortable around the people and activities they would encounter at school.
Welcoming the PAWZitivity Dogs
In spring 2023, the trained dogs began arriving in California and meeting the school staff members who would become their handlers and provide their homes.
The district’s expanded PAWZitivity program included six dogs prepared through 4 Pawz Strong, joining Eclair, whose earlier work helped inspire the initiative.
The dogs became part of everyday school activities across the district, spending time in classrooms, greeting students, and providing opportunities for interaction throughout the school day. Staff members worked with the dogs as they adjusted to their new homes, handlers, and school environments.
A Recognized School Wellness Program
Menlo Park’s PAWZitivity program continued developing after the initial placements. In 2025, the district received a J. Russell Kent Award from the San Mateo County School Boards Association in recognition of the program’s approach to supporting student wellness.
Read More About Menlo Park’s Therapy Dog Program
Learn more about the original partnership, the dogs’ arrival, and the development of PAWZitivity:
- New Friends in Menlo Bark: Therapy Dogs Coming to MPCSD — M-A Chronicle, September 22, 2022.
- Menlo Park School District’s New Wellness Ambassadors Are Friendly, Furry and Four-Legged — The Almanac, June 2, 2023.
- PAWZitivity: Facility Dogs on Campus — Menlo Park City School District.
- MPCSD Wins Kent Award for PAWZitivity Facility Dog Program — InMenlo, April 29, 2025.