(Ocean Knoll Elementary educators enjoy play time with puppies for a special visit during ‘Teacher Appreciation’ Week.)
Rancho Santa Fe, CA (May 7, 2024) – Helen Woodward Animal Center recognized educators at Ocean Knoll Elementary in Encinitas with a special puppy visit during ‘Teacher Appreciation Week.’
Educators at Ocean Knoll Elementary in Encinitas got to feel the love and appreciation from two of the Center’s adoptable puppies- Cheryl & Hank. These two adorable, 4-month-old Shepard puppies spent their play time with teachers and administrators during a special appreciation lunch. During the lunch period, teachers got the chance to take a break and sit down with the young dogs, who were eager and happy to share their exuberance and admiration.
“It felt so wonderful, we have been anticipating this day since last week,” exclaimed Ocean Knoll Elementary Teacher Julie Kusiak. “Being a teacher is a high stress job sometimes. Playing with puppies makes that stress completely disappear. I have dogs. I love my dogs. We were all looking forward to our lunch time today because of all the joy we knew we were going to receive from these animals.”
Research has discovered quality time spent with animals is great for the mind and body – it can lower blood pressure, create an inner peace and calming effect, and help refocus memory and concentration. All aspects that are critically important to professions like teaching. Studies have found receiving admiration and positive energy of any kind can vastly improve performance and increase motivation.
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s ‘Business Buddies’ program partners with organizations to bring the joyful, soothing interaction of puppies to a place of employment.
For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center visit https://animalcenter.org/ or call (858) 756-4117.
***
About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org/