Strengthening School Communities Through the Human–Animal Bond at Liza Jackson Preparatory School

Strengthening School Communities Through the Human–Animal Bond at Liza Jackson Preparatory School

by | Feb 3, 2026 | Community, Paw Print Press, Testimonials

We believe meaningful change happens when schools and community partners come together with a shared commitment to connection, care, and student well-being. Recently, we had the honor of spending time at Liza Jackson Preparatory School, where their instructional and solutions teams gathered to reflect on goals, celebrate progress, and strengthen community tiesβ€”with a little help from our therapy dog teams. The experience was a powerful reminder of how the human–animal bond can bring calm, joy, and renewed energy into learning environments. We are grateful to Liza Jackson Preparatory School for welcoming us so warmly and for sharing the impact of this special visit.

“I just wanted to take the time to thank you for bringing such love and light to our building last week, not just with Nash and Jake but with Jeri and Dinah too!Β  The staff has not stopped talking about and thanking us for such an uplifting afternoon.”

Nicole Lockwood

Assistant Principal, Liza Jackson Preparatory School

Building a Kinder Community: FPL’s Commitment to Mental Well-being and Education

Building a Kinder Community: FPL’s Commitment to Mental Well-being and Education

by | Jan 30, 2026 | Community, Paw Print Press, Press Releases

Image of a little girl reading a book to a Dog-Harmony Therapy Dog.

In our fast-paced world, the health of a community is measured by more than just its infrastructure: it is defined by the mental well-being and compassion of its people. Florida Power & Light (FPL) has long been a pillar of support for our region, but its impact extends far beyond providing energy. Through their “Power to Care” initiative, FPL is actively investing in the emotional and educational fabric of our community, fostering an environment where kindness and mental health are top priorities.

A shining example of this commitment is FPL’s role as a 2025 Loyal Companion Sponsor for Dog-Harmony, a local non-profit dedicated to enriching the bond between humans and animals. This partnership is a testament to FPL’s belief that mental well-being often starts with the unique comfort that animals provide.

 

Dog-Harmony’s work is transformative. By coordinating therapy dog teams that visit hospitals, schools, and even juvenile justice facilities, they provide a vital emotional outlet for those facing stress or isolation. These “four-legged therapists” help lower anxiety, improve communication, and offer a sense of peace that traditional methods sometimes cannot reach.

Beyond immediate emotional support, FPL’s sponsorship champions humane education. Dog-Harmony’s programs teach children the values of respect, responsibility, and empathy. By educating the next generation on how to treat animals with kindness, we are effectively teaching them how to be more compassionate humans. This foundation of empathy is essential for building a safer, more supportive community for everyone.

FPL’s dedication to community giving reminds us that we are all connected. By supporting organizations like Dog-Harmony, FPL is helping to ensure that our area remains a place where mental health is nurtured and kindness is taught as a fundamental life skill. Together, we are powering a brighter, more compassionate future. Please visit Β https://www.fpl.com/community.html for more information on its community giving.

Poem for Dog-Harmony by Lotus Learning & Arts Center

Poem for Dog-Harmony by Lotus Learning & Arts Center

by | May 26, 2025 | Community, Paw Print Press, Testimonials

We’re so proud of the students and our volunteer therapy dog team, Kay and Tiger, who attended the end-of-year graduation celebration at Lotus Learning & Arts Center. Their visits throughout the year have brought calm, connection, and confidence to the Lotus Learning students through joyful, meaningful interactions.
Β 
As a special thank you, the children wrote a beautiful poem and presented Dog-Harmony with a heartfelt card and a Certificate of Appreciation. This is what the human-animal bond is all about. Thank you to Lotus Learning & Arts Center for your appreciation and for letting our therapy dogs be part of your amazing community.
Poem by Lotus Learning & Arts Center Written for Dog-Harmony
You brought your smile, your heart, your song,
And let us chime and play along.
Β 
From the “D” the dog to “F” the frog,
We played the keys, we danced with the dog!
Β 
We learned to listen, learned to share,
To play togetherΒ with love and care.
Β 
You taught us “Jaws” with notes so low,
And “Star Wars” with a Jedi glow!
Β 
The bells rang bright in every hand,
With Christmas tunes and our small band.
Β 
We now know how to greet a pup,
To give soft pets and not run up.
Β 
For all you gave, we thank you so,
More than music – you helped us grow.
Β 
So here’s a gift, from all of us here,
With love and hugs to last all year!
photograph of therapy dog team, kay and tiger, at Lotus Learning center sitting in front of keyboard
Kay, a Dog-Harmony volunteer, standing at the music table with multi-colored bells on top at Lotus Learning & Art Center

Tiger's Story

Click the image below to read Kay’s story of Tiger’s rescue and therapy dog certification with Dog-Harmony!

A Picture Collage of Tiger the therapy dog - before, during, and after rescue with the words "love is giving back"
Mayhem in the Morning

Mayhem in the Morning

by | May 13, 2025 | Community, Paw Print Press

A Poem by Laurie Cushner

It’s mayhem in the morning after a three-dog night

with Midge and Tess and Katy asleep, all curled up tight.

But in the early morning, an hour after the break of dawn

there comes a shake of the ears, a wag of the tail, and then a yawn.

And suddenly three furry doggies surround me on the bed

as they playfully give warm kisses telling me it’s time to be fed.

Oh, it’s mayhem in the morning and it’s breakfast feeding time.

Three eager β€œpups” sit side by side like partners in crime.

Then they dance around their dish and gobble up their kibble.

They eat as fast as they can, why bother to nibble.

The day is young and they want to have fun –

they’re always in the moment -wanting to seize the day.

β€œHey” their tails say, β€œit’s time to go hike and play.”

Oh yes, it’s mayhem in the morning as they pile in the SUV

wagging tails, happy faces, panting in harmony.

They give a little nudge to the driver to β€œhurry up the show”.

Obviously, they think I’m driving much too slow.

When I stop to park, they all announce their arrival

by sounding like a canine spiritual revival.

Then they run, they sniff, they meet and greet and they play.

Occasionally, they turn their heads and smile as if to say,

β€œHey, for a human non-furry creature, you’re really quite okay”.

Oh, the mayhem in the morning – I wouldn’t change a thing

because these happy souls are the yin, the yang and the zing.

At nighttime, they all snuggle, cozy warm in their doggie beds

Dreaming about chasing squirrels and critters and a fox so red.

And when they awake from this dream-filled, adventurous place

they’re ready to impart unconditional love on the human race

With warm canine kisses, playful nips, and a smiling face

…they show us how to love life with nonstop embrace.

Tiger’s Story

Tiger’s Story

by | Feb 15, 2025 | Community, Paw Print Press

Written by Kay Graves

We rescued Tiger in 2015 at Our Pal’s Place in Marietta, GA. He was approximately one year old. I had two older dogs at the time. Had it not been for Charley’s loving care, I am not sure Tiger would have made it. It took about 2 years for Tiger to adjust (calm).

We trained with Dog-Harmony to become a therapy dog team. We now volunteer at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Lotus Learning & Arts Center. We walk with the Dog-Harmony’s therapy dog teams at HCA and greet staff and patients.

At Lotus Learning Center, the children read to Tiger, or we explore music through handbells or keyboard. Before Christmas, we learned to play short pieces of Jingle Bells, Rockin’ Around Christmas Tree, and Deck the Halls on the bells. We look for patterns on the keyboard and find “D” for the Dog in the dog house made by the two black keys and “F” for the Frog on the low side of the three black keys.

We can improvise on the black keys, keep a steady beat, and listen and play short rhythms in unison. We can play short segments of JAWS, Star Wars, and Harry Potter themes. Tiger sits in a chair and listens when we do keyboard. The students greet Tiger when they come in. We play fetch, and each child gives him a treat.

 

Photograph of Tiger the dog perched on a blanket on a chair
photograph of students coloring in sheets of keyboard keys
photograph of a keyboard at lotus learning center