Following the tragic shooting at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021, students, staff, and families faced a difficult path toward recovery. As the district began welcoming students back, therapy dogs from Brighton Area Schools visited Oxford to offer comfort and companionship during an especially challenging time.
Those early visits, supported by Karen Storey and the Brighton Area Schools Pack of Dogs, helped inspire a larger effort to establish a permanent therapy dog program throughout Oxford Community Schools.
Supporting Oxford After Tragedy
In the weeks following the shooting, Karen Storey and handlers from Brighton Area Schools brought therapy dogs to Oxford to spend time with students and staff. The visits provided opportunities for people to interact with the dogs as the school community worked through the aftermath of the tragedy.
By mid-January 2022, the Brighton Pack had visited Oxford nine times, including visits during the district’s gradual return to in-person learning. The dogs were among several forms of emotional support made available to students and educators.
Building a Permanent Therapy Dog Program
Seeing the value of these visits, educators and community supporters began raising money to bring permanent therapy dogs into Oxford’s schools.
A fundraising campaign launched in January 2022 with an initial goal of $50,000, enough to purchase and train five therapy dogs. Former Brighton Area Schools administrator Maria Gistinger helped organize the effort, working alongside supporters of the Brighton therapy dog program.
The response was significant. By February 2, the campaign had exceeded its original goal, with more than $56,000 pledged. These contributions helped lay the groundwork for a program that would provide ongoing opportunities for students and staff to interact with therapy dogs in their own schools.
Introducing the Oxford Wildcat Pack
Working with 4 Pawz Strong, Oxford Community Schools continued developing a district-wide therapy dog program that became known as the Oxford Wildcat Pack.
Through fundraising, community partnerships, and the commitment of school staff who volunteered to become handlers, the program expanded beyond its original plans. Oxford ultimately purchased and trained 12 therapy dogs, with dogs placed throughout the district.
Each dog completed a five-phase training program before beginning work with students and staff. Their everyday activities include greeting people in hallways, visiting classrooms, participating in school events, and spending time with students who may benefit from their presence.
A Continuing Part of the School Community
The Oxford Wildcat Pack has become an established part of the district’s student support efforts. What began with visits from neighboring schools developed into a permanent program supported by local donors, veterinary professionals, businesses, school staff, and community partners.
Read More About the Oxford Wildcat Pack
Learn more about the original fundraising effort, the Brighton Pack’s visits, and Oxford’s ongoing therapy dog program:
- Fundraiser Seeks to Purchase Support Dogs for Oxford Schools — WHMI, January 17, 2022.
- Local Drive for Therapy Dogs for Oxford Students a Big Success — WHMI, February 2, 2022.
- Oxford Wildcat Pack — Oxford Community Schools’ official program information.