Petoskey Pack

Meet the Pack!

We would like to introduce you to our Petoskey Pack Therapy Dogs!

Our Petoskey Pack is here to bring a little extra joy, comfort, and companionship to our school community! These special therapy dogs are valued members of our schools and can often be found greeting students and staff, offering a comforting presence, and brightening someone’s day.

Meet the members of the Petoskey Pack below and find out which school each one calls home. We’re lucky to have these four-legged friends as part of our Petoskey Schools family!

Ace - Middle School       

Ace is our fun-loving ball of energy! When he’s not busy making friends or playing, you’ll often find him enjoying a long nap in the counseling center. Ace brings plenty of energy, and a whole lot of personality wherever he goes!

Host: The Donovan Family

Auggie - Central Elementary

Auggie is a Northmen superfan! Outside of school, you’ll often spot him in the stands at sporting events, cheering on his team. With his mellow, easygoing personality, Auggie is always happy to be part of the action and show his Northmen pride!

Host: The Greene Family

Bodie - Sheridan Elementary

Bodie is our gentle giant! When he’s off the clock, you’ll often spot him strolling downtown with his family. Laid-back and easygoing, Bodie loves taking a leisurely walk and enjoying the sights around town!

Host: The Janssens Family

Jane - Lincoln Elementary

Jane is our sweet girl with a signature head tilt that’s sure to make you smile! She loves staying active in the community and, when she’s not out and about, you’ll often find her chasing her sister, Kona, around. Jane brings plenty of sweetness, energy, and smiles wherever she goes!

Host: The Friske Family

Otis - Ottawa Elementary  

Otis is known for his goofy, lovable personality! You’ll often find him cheering on the marching band or practicing his dice-rolling skills. With his fun-loving spirit and playful personality, Otis is always happy to be part of the action!

Host: The Salfai Family

Poppy - High School

Poppy takes her role as Senior Therapy Dog very seriously! When she’s outside, you’ll often spot her proudly carrying a ball of any kind in her mouth - she’s always ready for a game of fetch!

Host: The Frentz Family

Henry - Lincoln Elementary (Retired)

Henry may be retired, but he’s still ready to put on the vest when duty calls! You’ll often find him listening to kids read stories at local libraries. Henry has a special knack for reading the room and finding the person who needs him most, then happily leaning in for some extra love and comfort.

Host: The Frey Family

Student and Visitor Expectations

• When approaching a therapy dog, greet them with an open palm and allow them to sniff your hand before petting
• The top of the dog's head or back is the best spot to pet. Avoid petting near their mouth, tail, or paws
• Never feed the dog treats or human food. Be sure classroom floors are clean in order to create a safe environment for the dog
• Use quiet voices when around the dogs and avoid yelling or screaming
• Never run towards or around a therapy dog
• Only trained handlers are allowed to hold the dog’s leash and provide commands.

What is a Therapy Dog?

Our therapy dogs are specially trained to be part of our school communities, spending their days alongside students and staff. Some have a designated classroom or area, while others make their way throughout the building, visiting students wherever they are needed.

The presence of a therapy dog can make a meaningful difference in a child’s school experience. Research shows that therapy dogs can help reduce stress, build confidence, support social and emotional development, and promote overall well-being. For students who may find social situations challenging, a therapy dog can provide a welcoming opportunity to connect, communicate, and feel more comfortable.

Our therapy dogs also help create connections among students, encourage empathy and kindness, and provide opportunities for positive interactions. Most of all, they help foster a school environment where students feel welcomed, supported, included, and ready to learn.

Difference between a service dog and a therapy dog

Service Dogs

• Service dogs are not for petting or interacting with
• Service dogs are trained more intensely and must learn 3 specific tasks for its owners
• Service dogs can be trained as diabetic alert dogs, seizure/epilepsy response, mobility support, etc.

Therapy Dogs

• Our dogs are trained to interact with others and being a pet is encouraged
• Our dogs are owned and insured by the district
• Our dogs are well-behaved and must pass a test on basic commands and temperament before entering the schools

How Therapy Dogs Support Students

Therapy dogs can support students in many different ways. Their primary role is to respond to the people and environments around them, offering a calm and reassuring presence when students need it most. Research has shown that interactions with therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety, encourage social engagement, and support students’ physical, social-emotional, and cognitive well-being.

Physical – Spending time with a therapy dog can have positive physical effects, including helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate, promote relaxation, and provide positive sensory stimulation. For some students, interacting with a therapy dog can also provide comfort during times of physical discomfort or stress.

Social/Emotional – Therapy dogs can help students feel more comfortable, confident, and connected. Interacting with a dog can encourage students to engage with peers and adults, build self-esteem, and provide a positive outlet during times of stress or anxiety. While some students may experience anxiety more frequently or intensely than others, stress and worry are a normal part of life that everyone encounters. Our therapy dogs provide a comforting presence and a safe opportunity for students to pause, reset, and reconnect.

Cognitive – A calm and supportive environment can help students focus and engage in learning. Interacting with a therapy dog can provide a brief mental break, promote relaxation, and create a sense of calm and safety that helps students return to the classroom ready to learn.

Long Term Goals of Therapy Dogs

Our therapy dogs are more than a friendly presence in our schools. Over time, they can help create meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence, strengthen relationships, manage stress, and develop important social-emotional skills.

Build Empathy and Compassion – Interacting with animals gives students opportunities to practice kindness, patience, responsibility, and empathy. Caring for and connecting with an animal encourages students to look beyond themselves and consider the needs and feelings of others.

Build Self-Esteem and Confidence – Therapy dogs can provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental presence for students who may feel socially disconnected or struggle to find their place within the school community. Positive interactions with a therapy dog can help students feel valued, comfortable, and more confident.

Strengthen Connections – Therapy dogs can create natural opportunities for students to interact with peers and trusted adults. Their presence can help reduce social barriers, encourage conversation, and provide a shared experience that brings people together.

Reduce Anxiety and Support Regulation – Therapy dogs can offer comfort during stressful or difficult moments and help students and staff de-escalate and regain a sense of calm. They can be especially helpful in supporting students through periods of anxiety, stress, or challenging circumstances.

Foster an Inclusive School Climate – Our goal is to help create a school environment that is accepting, supportive, and welcoming to everyone. By providing students with opportunities to feel safe, connected, and supported, therapy dogs can contribute to a positive school experience and help remove barriers that may interfere with learning and participation.

Testimonies of the Power of the Pack 

“Seeing Poppy is the best part of my day”

“Henry makes Lincoln special because when you have a test or something like that and you might be nervous or scared he’s there when you need him most.”

“Before having Auggie at Central, I was skeptical about the impact that a therapy dog could have on children's wellbeing. Our daughter was dealing with a lot of anxiety, so we initially signed her up for traditional counselling through the school. However, the perceived stigma of being pulled out of class to talk with a therapist was only adding to her anxiety. Then Auggie arrived at Central. My dog-loving kiddo was begging for us to set up visits to "go see Auggie" (and the Student Support Specialist) and finally got the support she needed. The distraction, comfort, and calm that having a therapy dog provides was just what she needed. We are forever grateful to Auggie and Mrs. Greene!”

"Each morning, when you walk through the doors of Petoskey High School, Poppy is there to greet you. She wags her fluffy tail and patiently waits for you to say good morning. Throughout the rest of the day, she walks around the school saying hello to anyone who passes her by. When she’s not greeting students in the morning or around the halls, she’s in the counselor’s office. Whether you’re there for a schedule alteration or to merely talk about your day, she is always by your side."

"Poppy’s impact on our high school has been immense. We couldn’t be more grateful for our pup."

A Special Thank You to Our Therapy Dog Handlers

Our Petoskey Pack therapy dogs bring comfort, joy, and a little extra happiness to our schools each day—and we couldn’t do it without the dedicated handlers who make it all possible!

Thank you to our incredible therapy dog handlers for sharing their time, energy, and their special four-legged friends with our students and staff. Their commitment helps create a welcoming, caring environment throughout our district.

• Handler Katie Frentz is with Poppy, our PHS Therapy Dog
• Handler Larry Donovan is with Ace, our PMS Therapy Dog
• Handler Robin Greene is with Auggie, our Central Therapy Dog
• Handler Amy Janssens is with Bodie, our Sheridan Therapy Dog 
• Handler Becky Friske is with Jane, our Lincoln Therapy Dog
• Handler Amy Salfai is with Otis, our Ottawa Therapy Dog

Without them, the Petoskey Pack wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!

Thank You to Our Therapy Dog Sponsors

We are incredibly grateful to the generous sponsors who help make the Petoskey Pack therapy dog program possible. Your support helps provide the resources needed to care for our therapy dogs and ensure they can continue making a positive difference throughout our schools.

Thank you for investing in the Petoskey Pack and supporting the important role our therapy dogs play in the lives of our students and staff. We are so appreciative of your partnership!

Our Therapy Dog Trainers

Our Petoskey Pack therapy dogs receive specialized training and guidance from two valued community partners, Canines for Change and Michigan Therapy Dogs. Their expertise helps prepare our dogs and handlers to be successful in the school environment and to meet the unique needs of our students and staff.

We are grateful for the knowledge, time, and dedication these trainers provide to our Petoskey Pack. Their partnership helps ensure our therapy dogs are well-prepared to be positive members of our school communities.

Support the Petoskey Pack

Our Petoskey Pack therapy dogs are loved throughout Petoskey Schools. Whether they are greeting students in the hallway, joining a classroom, or simply spending time with someone who needs a friendly presence, these special dogs play an important role in our school community.

If you would like to support the Petoskey Pack Therapy Dog Program, your donation will help provide for the care, training, and supplies needed to keep our therapy dogs happy, healthy, and ready to serve our schools.

Thank you for supporting the Petoskey Pack and helping our therapy dogs continue making a difference in the lives of our students and staff!

Please click here if you wish make a donation to the Petoskey Pack!