Penn Hills students meet therapy dogs as part of counseling options in wake of teacher's death

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Penn Hills students meet therapy dogs as part of counseling options in wake of teacher's death

Haley Daugherty | Thursday, March 6, 2025 9:37 a.m.

Courtesy of Penn Hills School District

Gordie, an emotional support animal from HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, attracts a crowd of students with his calm demeanor during a visit Feb. 28 to Penn Hills High School. A pair of therapy dogs were brought in to help students who are still reeling from the death of a popular teacher.

Penn Hills students were introduced to emotional support dogs from HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response recently to help them cope with the death of a beloved teacher.

Gordie, a golden retriever, and Fergus, a black Labrador, met with students in groups Feb. 28 and accepted lots of pets and hugs.

The counseling event came on the heels of a public school board meeting, when Superintendent John Mozzocio spoke about grief support and resources offered to students after the passing of Josh Willy, a popular history teacher at the high school.

During the meeting, Mozzocio said the support animals are a part of the counseling process available to students who want more support during their grieving process.

HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response is a nonprofit organization with certified handler volunteers and dogs stationed throughout the country. According to the HOPE website, the organization is certified to lend assistance to first responder agencies, school districts, hospitals, pastoral services and other community institutions.

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