There is a four-legged friend bringing emotional support to the Helix Charter High School community.

Duchess, the therapy dog, was adopted by the school four months ago and has become a hit on campus. Duchess was trained to be a service dog for two years.

“She wasn’t quite able to graduate because she likes to chase birds sometimes,” said Lauren Knuth, the community relations coordinator at the school. Later on, Duchess underwent expert training and finally mastered más que 60 commands. “She is extremely intelligent and disciplined but also has a great demeanor and loves to play and have fun,” added Knuth.

Duchess’ main task on her to-do list is to provide emotional support for students and staff.

She goes to school every day and assists members who need her help.

Duchess usually spends her time at the administration building and the Wellness Center during school days, yet she mobilizes like the Avengers when students call for her.

“Staff may email us if they have stressed students or students are nervous for a presentation, and we’ll bring her by to lighten the mood. It’s just another intervention that we have in our toolbox to help our kids,” noted Knuth.

Duchess is building memories with students every day.

One of the students, Azrael Samuels, shared a recent interaction with her.

“It was lunch, and I went to the Wellness Center. Fortunately, Duchess was there. I sat down on the non-crowded side of the room, and a smile was instantly brought to my face as Duchess came over to me, wagging her tail. It was obvious she just wanted my pizza; nonetheless, I was overwhelmed with happiness.” It turns out that Duchess is playing a role as a stress mitigator.

“If I feel stressed, my initial thought process is always ‘I definitely need to go see Duchess’ instead of automatically having a breakdown,” added Samuels.

Duchess has also been forming special relationships with her handlers.

Sara Brown, the administrative assistant for the Class of 2025, is a huge dog lover and was grateful to be asked to be a handler for Duchess. “

My favorite moments with Duchess have to be those when she is off the clock and being a real dog – just running, sniffing around, tearing toys up and sleeping on one of her many cozy beds around campus,” Brown expressed her treasured sentiment for Duchess.

The school decided to bring in Duchess as they prioritize mental health of school members.

“We saw bringing Duchess as an opportunity to put smiles on people’s faces and possibly use it as an intervention when students need help but don’t really want to talk,” explained Knuth. Duchess is “providing a safe space for students to let go of what is bothering them” whenever they don’t want to open up to others, according to Brown.

Lot of positive changes with Duchess on the scene

There have been a lot of positive changes after Duchess came, as if the school expected this.

Students and the staff spoke up that ever since Duchess joined, they’ve seen frowning faces turn upside down.

“We have students who religiously come to the Wellness Center during lunch to hang out with Duchess. When she’s not with me, I’m always getting questions from students like, ‘Is Duchess here?’ It makes me happy seeing how the kids love her so much,” said Kelsey Camonayan, who works in the Wellness Center.

Not only students, but staff members enjoy interacting with Duchess as well. “Many people come by just to have some ‘Duchess Time’ before they go on with their day,” explained Brown.

The school threw a birthday party to celebrate Duchess turning 3 this past December.

“I expected 30 or 40 kids to come, but over 300 ended up showing up and bringing gifts! We got thousands of pet toy and supply donations from all of the students and staff who love Duchess,” said Knuth. Most of the gifts, aside from a stash for Duchess to play with, were donated to the San Diego Humane Society & Pawsitive Teams, the organization from which the school adopted Duchess.

Duchess has brought a lot of uplift to the school and the community.

“She has changed the environment at Helix because of the joy she brings to students. It doesn’t matter if they just say hello or play with Duchess for a while; she is a great addition to the Helix community,” said student Noah Epperson.

It is safe to say Duchess and Helix Charter High School make a perfect match.