Three therapy dogs came to McLean on Friday, January 27 to help relieve student stress. As the end of first semester nears, stress levels around McLean are high. As students relaxed and stroked Oliver, a 160-pound Leonberger, Therapy Dogs International member Sharon Crowley explained the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog.

“Service dogs are trained to do specific jobs, like they help blind people and take them across the street, help them get around and assist them in their day-to-day lives. The therapy dog is more just to bring joy to people, calm them down, make them feel good,” Crowley said.

The therapy dogs achieved that purpose on Friday as countless students stopped by during their lunch time to see them.

“It felt amazing being with the dogs and it made me feel happy,” senior Spencer Oditt said. “I love having therapy dogs at the school.”

Gallery • 3 Photos

This is Brunhilde, a five-year-old Newfoundland. She was trained in a program called "Water Rescue 2." In addition to visiting high schools like McLean, Brunhilde has also visited Washington Children's Hospital in D.C. (Photo by Carlyn Kranking)