Photos

Local organizations using dogs to help students in their care

The power of dogs to help reduce stress and increase joy is being used to help young people at two local institutions — Loyola University Chicago and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
Tom Gilardi, vice president of youth programs, guides Pongo, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls’ working facility dog, as he plays with Rashaun in the courtyard of the West Loop campus on May 7, 2018. Gilardi is Pongo’s certified facilitator. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Santos, Loyola University’s therapy dog, makes the rounds at the Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons, 6501 N. Kenmore Ave., on May 2, 2018. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Santos checks out the camera. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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