Supporting Student Mental Health
One Therapy Dog at a Time
The Need for School-Based Mental Health Support
Students today face rising levels of anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficulty regulating emotions. School counselors are often the first—and sometimes only—mental health support available, yet they are asked to meet these needs with limited resources.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote emotional regulation
Help students feel safe and supported
Increase engagement in counseling services
The Willow Poodle Project
The Willow Poodle Project helps Missouri school counselors bring certified therapy dogs into schools by removing the financial barriers that too often stand in the way. Inspired by Willow, a beloved therapy dog, we exist to create calm, connection, and emotional safety for students who need it most.
Budget Gaps Limit Care
Despite their proven benefits, therapy dog programs remain out of reach for many schools. The financial responsibility—training, certification, veterinary care, food, grooming, insurance—typically falls on individual counselors. School funds are often unavailable due to policy and conflict-of-interest restrictions, forcing many counselors to self-fund or abandon the idea entirely.
The Willow Poodle Project was created to change that.
Willow’s Legacy Powering Student Healing
Our mission is to support school counselors by funding the acquisition, training, and ongoing care of certified therapy dogs in Missouri school settings
Our Impact in Their Words
How to Get Involved
Join The Willow Poodle Project today!