We’re thrilled to share that Chewbacca (aka “Chewy”), the Clifton Public School district’s therapy dog, was recently featured on NBC!
Chewy, a lovable Goldendoodle born and raised at Pride and Prejudoodles, has become an essential part of the Clifton Public Schools community, offering comfort, companionship, and a friendly face to students needing extra support.
Chewy’s Journey
Chewy is no ordinary pup – he’s specially trained to help students navigate their emotional and mental well-being. From a young age, we recognized just how special Chewy is and the incredible potential he has to support people!
Since joining the Clifton School’s team two years ago, Chewy has been making waves with his calming presence, whether it’s easing the nerves of a child on their first day of school, or helping students de-stress before exams.
Chewy on NBC: A Star in the Making
NBC recently took notice of Chewy’s amazing impact and featured him in a segment that highlighted his role in the Clifton community.
In the interview, his owner/handler Assistant Superintendent Mark Gengaro spoke about how Chewy has become a source of joy and relaxation for both students and staff alike, especially in stressful situations.
During the segment, we saw Chewy in action, strolling through school hallways, wagging his tail as kids excitedly greeted him.
Whether it’s giving out high-fives (or should we say “high paws”) or simply sitting quietly next to a student who needs some extra love, Chewy’s presence has made an undeniable impact. His ability to sense when someone needs comfort is nothing short of magical.
The Importance of Therapy Dogs in Schools
As mental health becomes an increasingly important focus in education, therapy dogs like Chewy play a crucial role in helping students manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
Chewy’s calming nature and unconditional love help create a supportive environment, fostering better learning and emotional growth.
Studies are showing that therapy dogs can improve students’ emotional regulation, increase feelings of safety, and even boost academic performance. With Chewy’s help, Clifton Schools are not only enhancing their students’ mental health but also teaching valuable lessons about compassion, empathy, and self-care.
What’s Next for Chewy?
With his newfound fame, Chewy is still hard at work, visiting students and spreading joy throughout the Clifton community.
His NBC feature is just a glimpse of the incredible work he does daily. Whether he’s comforting a child during a tough moment or simply being a friend to those who need one, Chewy’s pawsitive impact continues to grow.
We couldn’t be more proud of Chewy and the difference he’s making in the lives of students. Be sure to keep an eye out for future updates on Chewy’s adventures—there’s no doubt this four-legged friend has many more lives to touch!
—
Thinking about adding a furry friend to your home or school board? Meet our well-trained pups today!
