Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado, is welcoming a new four-legged member this school year—Thistle, a trained therapy dog who will work alongside School Resource Officer Mallory Atkinson.

Thistle will provide emotional support to students, especially those who may need help calming and regulating their emotions. He is trained in deep-pressure therapy and has also learned special skills to assist students throughout the school day.

Atkinson hopes Thistle will also help build trust between students and law enforcement. She has already seen how naturally children approach Thistle and begin talking, and she looks forward to seeing the positive impact he will have at Heritage High School.

littletonindependent.net