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Mission Statement
At Learning Tails, Inc., our mission is to nurture the social, emotional, and academic development of children by integrating therapy animals into public school environments and broader community programs. We believe that the presence of therapy animals can foster empathy, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for learning and growth.
We are commited to working hand-in-paw with educators, families, public officials, and first responders to establish and sustain therapy animal programs that benefit children and the community at large. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we aim to build a compassionate network that recognizes the healing and developmental power of the human-animal bond.
Together, we strive to create safe, welcoming spaces where every child can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically—with a wagging tail by their side.
Moved by Lenny’s effect and guided by everything they had learned along the way, Jess and Dave created Learning Tails — a nonprofit dedicated to helping public schools bring facility dogs into their communities. Today, Learning Tails proudly supports schools across Connecticut and beyond, offering guidance on approvals, logistics, fundraising, and partnerships with reputable service‑dog organizations.
If your school is ready to explore the life‑changing impact of a facility dog, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Our Story
Jess, our co‑founder, first discovered the power of facility dogs during an educator's professional development session about Walter, the beloved BluePath dog serving Griswold Elementary. Hearing how Walter had transformed the school community — and learning about the dedication it took to fundraise, secure approvals, and welcome a fully trained three‑year‑old yellow lab into the building — Jess left inspired. She shared the story with her family that evening, and together they felt an unmistakable pull: their local elementary school deserved this same kind of magic.
What followed was a year of determination, collaboration, and heart. Jess and her husband, Dave, worked closely with their Board of Education, Superintendent, and Principal to bring the idea to life. Partnering with the PTO, they raised the necessary funds and navigated every logistical hurdle. Dave even worked with the district and its insurer to create new coverage for this still‑emerging concept — a change that ultimately helped open the door for districts across Connecticut.
In October 2025, Lenny arrived at their elementary school, and the impact was immediate. Students found comfort, confidence, and joy in his presence; staff felt supported and uplifted; the entire school community felt a little more connected.
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