In early December, special education teacher Mr. Moody announced the arrival of Finn, a service dog, whose role in the John Dewey community extends far beyond simply being friendly and adorable.
According to Mr. Moody, the goal of bringing Finn to Dewey is to provide social-emotional support to students while also allowing them to observe and learn about comfort dog training in a real-world setting.
Sophomore Salika Atif said that Finn has already made a difference in her school day, describing him as calming and uplifting during stressful moments.
Finn trains “Every day in short training sessions lasting about 20 minutes per day,” according to Mr. Moody.
One of the most difficult commands for Finn has been staying in place for extended periods of time while Mr. Moody engages his students.
Despite this challenge, Finn has been making steady progress. He spends most of his day in the library reading room, where he continues learning while adjusting to the busy school environment. Outside of school, Finn enjoys long walks through Prospect Park, exploring different smells, cuddling, and – like most dogs – eating.
Mr. Moody explained that bringing Finn to Dewey was not only about having a friendly presence in the building, but also about teaching students important social-emotional skills. He hopes Finn will help students learn how to read body language, regulate their emotions, and practice patience and responsibility.
Students have already noticed the positive impact. Atif shared that her favorite part of working with Finn is that he “distracts me in a good way and makes me laugh.”
She describes him as a therapy dog who helps lighten stressful moments during the day and create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Research supports what Dewey students are experiencing due to Finn’s presence in the school building. According to ECAD, trained service dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety while improving social and communication skills.
Studies show that interaction with dogs may lower cortisol levels, the hormone related to stress, which can help students feel calmer and more focused throughout the school day.
Although Finn is still new to the Dewey community, his presence is already making a difference.
More than just a friendly face in the hallway, Finn represents a new kind of support at John Dewey High School – one built on empathy, patience, and plenty of tail wags that continue to brighten the school community.
For Mr. Moody, the most rewarding part has been seeing both Finn and students grow. “I love seeing his progress,” he said. “But I also love watching students learn how to interact with him and improve their communication skills.”
