A black and white dog named Rey Reynolds with a River Oaks Baptist School Protective Services tag

A Day in the Life of Rey the Comfort Dog

The following article first appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of ‘Vine and Branch Magazine’

Rey Reynolds joined the Student Support Office last fall as the official ROBS comfort dog. He was hired after two eighth grade students presented a proposal to have a comfort dog on staff—an idea which stemmed from their Capstone Scholar project.

The students presented a compelling, research-based case, finding that comfort dogs can enhance children’s psychological development, improve social skills, increase empathy, and relieve anxiety. According to their research, simply petting a dog can decrease levels of stress hormones, regulate breathing, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, students often use a comfort dog as an excuse to visit the school counselor’s office.

Newly adopted by Head of School Leanne Reynolds, Rey seemed like a perfect fit for the job. The mild-mannered King Charles Cavalier obtained certification as an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and was ready for his new role. Or was he? According to him, it’s not the glamorous gig everyone thinks it is.

Contributors: MacLaine Gray and John Greeley

A small black and white dog laying in a dog bed
A girl student sitting on a couch holding a dog at River Oaks Baptist School
A black and white dog standing next to a basket
Two girls students sitting on a couch with a dog at River Oaks Baptist School
A black and white dog sitting on top of a carpet
Two young children petting a black and white dog at River Oaks Baptist School
A boy and a girl sitting on a couch with a dog wearing a sunflower at River Oaks Baptist School
A small black and white dog with a red leash

Join Us!