In September 2021, Clinton Community Schools in Lenawee County, Michigan, experienced a devastating tragedy when two high school seniors lost their lives and two others were seriously injured in a car accident. As students and staff struggled with the loss, therapy dogs from Brighton Area Schools visited the district to offer comfort and support.
The visit, organized with help from Karen Storey and the Brighton Area Schools Pack of Dogs, would eventually lead to something more permanent: a therapy dog program of Clinton’s own.
Bringing Comfort During a Difficult Time
Following the accident, Clinton High School counselor Heidi Kutzley reached out for support. Brighton therapy dogs Chevy and Duncan visited school staff during a professional development day, giving educators an opportunity to spend time with the dogs while processing the tragedy.
Several days later, additional dogs and a puppy in training visited Clinton High School. Students were able to interact with the dogs in classrooms and common areas, spending time with their handlers and enjoying a welcome break during an emotional period.
The response made a lasting impression on Clinton’s school community. It also helped demonstrate how a therapy dog could become a valuable part of the district’s ongoing student support efforts.
From a Visit to a School Therapy Dog Program
After seeing the response to the Brighton dogs, Kutzley contacted Karen Storey and 4 Pawz Strong about establishing a permanent therapy dog program at Clinton Community Schools.
Over the following six months, Karen worked with Kutzley as she developed a proposal for district leadership and the school board. She shared experience from Brighton’s program, helped answer questions, and provided guidance as Clinton considered the responsibilities of bringing a therapy dog into its schools.
In March 2022, the Clinton Community Schools Board of Education approved the proposal, allowing the district to move forward with its own therapy dog.
Welcoming Buddy to Clinton
With the program approved, Karen helped Clinton secure Buddy, a black Labrador Retriever who had been among the dogs visiting the district during the September tragedy.
Buddy was trained with support from Edgar and the Veterans Service Organization. Throughout the process, Kutzley received updates about Buddy’s progress and prepared for her role as his handler.
On June 3, 2022, Buddy was ready to join his new school community. Kutzley completed handler training and continued working with Buddy over the summer before introducing him to students and staff at Clinton High School.
Buddy soon became a familiar presence at the school, providing opportunities for students to interact with a therapy dog as part of their everyday experience.
A Lasting Connection to the Clinton Community
What began as a temporary visit following a tragedy grew into an ongoing partnership that helped Clinton Community Schools establish its own therapy dog program.
Through the work of Karen Storey, 4 Pawz Strong, the Brighton Pack of Dogs, and their training partners, Buddy became part of the Clinton Redwolves community.
Clinton’s experience reflects how sharing knowledge, resources, and support can help schools develop therapy dog programs that continue serving students long after an initial need brings people together.
Read More About Clinton Community Schools
Learn more about the Brighton Pack of Dogs’ original visit through this local news coverage:
- BAS Dogs Provide Therapy Assist to Lenawee County School — WHMI, October 14, 2021.