Every COPE Service Dogs partnership has a story. Stories of confidence, challenges overcome, and lives changed in ways that often go far beyond dog training.
Through programs like Canines in the Classroom, students discover confidence, leadership and focus and gain a renewed sense of purpose. These experiences are deeply personal, and their impact is lasting.
These are their voices, their journeys, and their successes.
Student Stories
A New Leash on Life – Kim’s Story
Four years ago, when Kim started in the Canines in the Classroom (CIC) program, she was worried that she wasn’t going to make it to graduation. Dropping out of school...
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Going Forward – Jordan’s Story
COPE Service Dogs’ Canines in the Classroom program has given me leadership and workplace skills as well as patience. This will definitely help me with a future job or career....
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Becoming a Leader – Caitlyn’s Story
My COPE teacher helped me take leadership opportunities. She helped me feel confident that I could do anything and that I was more of a leader than I thought I...
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Unleashing Potential – Stefan’s Story
In June of his Grade 8 year, Stefan Meade came to Nantyr to see his new high school and meet his future teacher. He had an Educational Assistant with him...
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Discover how more students have found their path through the Canines in the Classroom program.
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Leadership and being assertive are things that I am not good at however since I started this class, I’ve noticed a change. I am able to ask for things directly and tell people instead of asking. The improvement in my leadership skills and confidence has helped me get to where I need to be in high school. I am certain that the skills that COPE has taught me will stay with me throughout my school career and for the rest of my life.
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I suffer from social and separation anxiety, but I never feel awkward or alone in COPE class – I can actually be myself. That’s why I love COPE.
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Dogs help me control my anger and emotions better. In life, you have to keep your emotions under control or people will keep bugging you.
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COPE is a place to feel safe. I was nervous about coming to high school but thanks to COPE I know I can get through high school.
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COPE makes me feel less anxious for the day moving forward. It makes me happy and has taught me self- confidence.
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School and life can be very stressful and cause me to have anxiety. Being part of Canines in the Classroom helps me deal with it. COPE has taught me that self- restraint and following instructions is very important. It makes me feel like I am good at something.
"Hear From More Students
Read more testimonials from students whose lives have been transformed by COPE.
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