CHOCOWINITY — A local high school is using nontraditional research-based practices to relieve its students’ stress just in time for end-of-semester exams.

Southside High School recently implemented the use of a therapy dog to aid its students in relieving stress before end-of-semester exams, something colleges and universities have begun to use for its students in times of stress or crisis, said Megan Jernigan, a guidance counselor at the school.

Jernigan owned a five-pound Maltese dog, Chloe, and after discussing the benefits of using a dog as a therapeutic tool for students with SHS Principal Dale Cole, she had Chloe trained and registered, she said. Chloe was taken to Top Dog Academy in Greenville where she worked on basic obedience skills, as well as canine good citizenship training through the American Kennel Club. She was registered as a therapy dog through Pet Partners, formerly known as Delta Society, Jernigan said.

“Chloe just naturally has a good temperament, and that’s how we knew she could be a therapy dog,” Jernigan said. “She’s quite and loves to be held. You could carry her around like a baby, and she would be happy.”

Jernigan set up a schedule to visit different classes for students to have 30 minutes of small group time with Chloe, she said. Based on research, interaction with dogs and other mammals decrease cortisol levels and increase endorphins in humans. Jernigan normally visits various classrooms in the school for guidance time with students and has seen a difference in participation during time spent in classrooms when accompanied by Chloe.

“I like the relaxed setting better,” Jernigan said. “The students really do respond well. What I saw is, typically, when I go in to do a guidance lesson, most students are quiet and don’t have a lot of input. With Chloe being there, the class kind of comes alive, and the kids are more comfortable talking.”

Jernigan said students have the option of petting Chloe or hugging her when she is passed around among students in a classroom setting. During that time, Jernigan speaks with students about ways to relieve stress when Chloe is unable to be around like during actual exam time or when students are not at school. Among the ways to relieve stress that Jernigan discussed with students are going for a run, listening to relaxing music, giving oneself a massage on one’s temples, deep-breathing skills and mindfulness, Jernigan said.

Students at Southside have given positive feedback from being around Chloe, Jernigan said. Southside student Daniel Moore said he had never touched a dog in his life before Chloe and hopes to use Chloe during his mindful meditation to relieve stress.

Another Southside student Gracie Warren gave her take on interacting with Chloe, as well as her opinion of the benefits of having a therapy dog available for students.

“Having a dog come into class during a very stressful time of year changes the environment for the better,” she said. “Most of us are very anxious about the upcoming exams. This small distraction in class definitely relieved some of that anxiety.”

Jernigan said she hopes others will hear about Southside and Chloe’s story and realize it’s ok to try different things like using nontraditional strategies with students.