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Abstract

The presence of therapy dogs in schools has increased due to the growing body of research showing positive effects of assisted-animal interaction. But there is little published research on how an innovation such as a therapy dog connects to best practices in middle level education. The goal of the research was to use the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory to connect the implementation of a therapy dog to the Association for Middle Level Education’s (AMLE) essential attributes and characteristics as well as components of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Focus groups were conducted to illustrate connections among these frameworks. Findings exemplified intersectionality among AMLE attributes and characteristics and WSCC components, indicating the innovation of a therapy dog can foster a successful and healthy middle school environment for students and staff. This exploration resulted in the creation of a new framework showing how the innovation of a therapy dog aligns with best practices in middle level education.

Author Bio

Brandye D. Nobiling, Ph.D., CHES, CSE is a Professor and Director of Public Health at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland. Dr. Nobiling has 20 years teaching at the post-secondary level. She has presented and published nationally and internationally on mental health, reproductive health, and historical foundations of health education. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Certified Sexuality Educator.

Sherry A. Maykrantz Ph.D., MPH, M.Ed, CHES is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Salisbury University. Currently she teaches undergraduate classes in health behavior, health communications, and drugs and public health. In addition to teaching at SU, Dr. Maykrantz extends her classroom abroad teaching public health topics in Portugal and Austria. Her research focuses on population health management and self-leadership and individual activations in health outcomes.

Tara Downes, Ed.D. serves Caroline County Public Schools as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. She is responsible for the oversight of all instructional and student services programs as well as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Coordinator. In addition, her role includes participation in evaluation and performance review, budget development review and administration, and acting as the superintendent’s designee as required.

Joshua Nobiling, MFA is an assistant professor of painting and drawing at Delaware State University. Currently he teaches courses in introductory and advanced painting and drawing, printmaking, and art history. He has shown his personal work nationally and has published his paintings and drawings in open educational resource materials. In addition to his personal works, Joshua is a professional mural artist, having completed several commissioned murals throughout the State of Delaware.

DOI

10.20429/cimle.2025.29105

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