Comfort in the Classroom: How Rocket Helps Students Heal
Over the past month, Rocket has been hard at work spreading comfort, calm, and joy wherever his paws take him. From being a beloved presence at Redwood High School, where he pays regular visits to classrooms and sporting events (and is even featured on the staff page of the yearbook) to offering snuggles and support during a Montessori preschool visit, Rocket continues to make meaningful connections with people of all ages. He also had the opportunity to provide support at a Marin County Sheriff’s Peace Officer Memorial Service, offering quiet comfort to those remembering fallen heroes.
This month has shown, once again, the inspiring work Rocket performs in his community. Most recently, that role took on even deeper meaning during a time of great loss at Archie Williams High School.
Bringing Comfort to Grieving Students at Archie Williams High School
In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, Rocket was one of several therapy dogs providing support at Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo, California. Following a devastating car crash that took the lives of four students, the entire school community was plunged into grief and shock.
As students and faculty began to process the heartbreaking loss, his dog-mom Emily jumped into action. Known for his work as a therapy dog at another high school in the same district, Rocket was ready and prepared to help. His presence was a comfort for students and staff processing the sudden loss of their classmates and students. His quiet comfort offered a safe space for students to grieve, talk, or simply sit in silence, without pressure or expectation.
The healing power of therapy dogs in times of grief is well documented. According to experts, interacting with therapy animals like Rocket can lower stress hormones, provide emotional grounding, and even spark moments of connection when words are too hard to find. For grieving teens especially, who may struggle to articulate their feelings, Rocket’s presence helped bridge that emotional gap. He listened without judgment and offered warmth in a way only a therapy dog can.
In this time of loss, his impact has been deeply felt. We are honored to sponsor Rocket and incredibly moved by the role he has played in helping students and staff begin to heal. Our hearts remain with the families, friends, and classmates of the students whose lives were lost, and we’re reminded of the quiet, powerful ways therapy dogs like Rocket help carry us through.
Celebrating Resilience and the Class of 2025
As we reflect on Rocket’s recent visits and the profound comfort he’s brought to students and communities in need, we also want to take a moment to celebrate a joyful milestone—congratulations to the graduating class of 2025! It’s been an incredible year, full of ups and downs, and we know that graduating seniors have all the tools they need to make a positive impact in the world. Through it all, Rocket has been honored to walk beside you, offering support with every wag and nuzzle. We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and the kindness you’ve shown one another. Here’s to your next chapter—you carry with you the spirit of connection, courage, and care that therapy dogs like Rocket help nurture every day.