a golden retriever trained at the same facility as Teddy. And other districts occasionally bring in therapy dogs to reduce stress.

It takes a special kind of dog to make it in this career. Teddy had to pass a temperament test to determine he was suitable for the job.

He trained for four months in Michigan before Hoover bought him with her own money.

Teddy spends school days helping students who experience stress or anxiety to relax and process problems, Hoover said.

On Teddy’s first day on the job, a student visited Hoover’s office crying and suffering from a panic attack, Hoover said.

The girl petted Teddy and talked to Hoover.

“Within 10 minutes, she was smiling and laughing,” Hoover said.

But Teddy’s effect on students goes beyond Hoover’s office, she said.

“I think he does help one on one,” Hoover said. “But I think the overall feel of the school is positive. Everyone has been respectful, and he’s kind of a rock star around here.”