On the morning of October 21, 2024, students at Glenn A. Duffy Elementary gathered in the gym to welcome the newest member of their school community: Duffy, a small, silky-soft poodle with a curly monochrome coat. After extensive training, the young pup will take on an important role as a therapy dog for students and, more broadly, play a central part shaping the school’s culture in the coming years. Principal Dr. Newsom explained, “We want to integrate him into classrooms. Depending on what the teachers are doing, he could visit classrooms and participate in various activities—not only for behavioral support but also in celebrations and other events throughout the school.”
Duffy was donated to the elementary school by The DEB Project, a charity organization founded by Sammy Laney, a former Gravette student. The DEB Project works to create a comprehensive support network for children in crisis, providing essential items like clothing, shoes, food, and hygiene products to those entering the foster care system. As of this year, the organization has provided over 47,700 essential items, directly served over 12,600 people, and facilitated the donation of 11 trained therapy dogs to local schools. Therapy dogs have become increasingly valued in educational settings for their ability to provide comfort and a calming presence, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve emotional well-being for all students.
Duffy follows in the paw prints of Finn, a therapy dog donated to Gravette Upper Elementary a year prior, also by The DEB Project. Dr. Barrett, Principal of Upper Elementary, shared firsthand experience with Finn the therapy dog and the impact of his presence in the school. “Finn has been with us since the day that we were able to start bringing him,” Dr. Barrett said. “The mood around Finn is just positive. He’s just a mood lightener!” While therapy dogs are invaluable for students with special needs, they support all students by playing a central role in a school-wide culture of empathy and shared responsibility. Dr. Barrett explained, “He is here for anyone at any time. There are children who get a chance to walk Finn as a reward, and that’s huge for them. Just because–it’s Finn and he belongs to all of us!”
Finn Meets Duffy in the GUE Front Office
Finn provides an example of how therapy dogs connect with students emotionally. Dr. Barrett shared an anecdote of a student who, feeling overwhelmed, found solace in Finn’s company. “I brought him to my office while Finn happened to be there. The young man went straight to Finn,” Dr. Barrett explained. This interaction helped the student calm down and process his feelings, making it easier to address his concerns. “The children just gravitate to Finn,” she noted. “It makes our job so much easier because we can then talk to them.”
DEB Project founder, Sammy Laney has also witnessed the benefits of therapy dogs in schools. “These therapy dogs are phenomenal,” she said. “They take away some of the fear and bad days for students. One counselor told me, ‘These dogs can start a conversation that we can’t.’ Kids may not open up to teachers, but they’ll talk to the dog. That gives the counselor an opportunity to connect with them.” The DEB Project’s mission to provide emotional support to children in crisis stems from a deeply personal story of friendship and compassion that inspired its creation.
Laney founded the organization in memory of her childhood friend Deborah, who was adopted at a young age. Tragically, their lifelong friendship was cut short when Deborah passed in 2012, a result of her struggles with depression and trauma. “I didn’t know her life before adoption, but there was trauma there that not a lot of people knew,” Laney explained, “When she passed, it tore me up, and I knew I had to do something. I can’t help her, but I can help kids in her name. She inspired me to make a difference.”
A photo from the opening of the DEB Project Thrift Store. Source: https://www.debproject.com/
Over the years, The DEB Project has expanded to address a broader range of community needs, recognizing the vital role emotional support plays in a child's development. Therapy dogs in school could help children find the comfort they need to open up about their struggles, and get help that could last a lifetime.
Duffy is eagerly anticipated for the work he will do at his new school. Principal Dr. Newsom shared, “I think just seeing all the great things that Finn has done at the Upper Elementary and seeing the need for our struggling kiddos. A lot of times in the morning, we have kiddos that are sad when they're coming in. They don’t want to get out of the car or leave their parents. I think having Duffy here will be comforting and make them more excited about starting their day.” Duffy’s role at the school will be stationed primarily as part of the Alternative Learning spaces. Dr. Newsom explained, “He’s going to spend a lot of time in the AL classroom. Kids come in for scheduled breaks at set times during the day, just as a reset. [...] so if they’re feeling anxious, they can come in, spend a little time with Duffy, then go back to class.”
As a standard poodle, Duffy is expected to grow to 60 to 70 pounds at full maturity. Like the school he serves, Duffy was named after Mr. Glenn A. Duffy Senior, superintendent of the Gravette School District for 29 years, retired in 1977. While Duffy will work at the school during the day, like Finn, he will live with a staff member when school is closed or out of session. Although facilitated through The DEB Project, funding for Duffy’s donation and training came from the Arkansas Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators. This partnership reflects the commitment of both Alpha Delta Kappa and The DEB Project to enhance developmental experiences for children in the community.
With Duffy’s arrival, Glenn A. Duffy Elementary starts a new chapter with a new toolkit for cultivating emotional wellness and responsibility among students and staff. The school community looks forward to the comfort, joy, and companionship their new furry friend will provide. As he grows into his role, Duffy is sure to leave a lasting paw print on the hearts of everyone at the school.