By Lia Atienza

Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Sandigan Mapulon held its legacy project, Dr. Doggo, at the Formation and Learning Center (FLC) on Wednesday, March 26, for the ASHS student body. 

Mapulon partnered with Communitails, an organization that focuses on informing the community about the power and usefulness of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) as forms of stress relief and therapy. 

The event aimed to help students relieve their stress amidst the concluding school year, allowing them to interact and play with three therapy dogs— two Swiss Shepherds and a Golden Retriever— in the FLC Maker’s Space and Music Room. 

“It was really for the students to have a break. We really want the student body to take care of their mental health as well para ‘di sila puro stress,” said Margaux Dy, Overall Undersecretary of Sandigan Mapulon. 

When asked about his experience, participant JP Palabay from 12-Walpole said “Meeting Alef, the Swiss Shepherd, was super heartwarming and it really helped me forget all the stress I had. He [the dog] was super eager to walk around and greet others which really made my day.” 

Communitails

Created in 2016, Communitails promotes well-being and animal welfare through mutual bond between humans and animals.

The organization provides various services and training courses for those seeking help through animal-assisted intervention, and those interested in contributing to the AAI community in the country.