Homes are brighter when they come with a built-in tail-wagging, belly-rubbing, unconditional-loving family member, right? The Lakota (Sioux) students and staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School certainly think so!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to three of our newest members of the Houseparents And Pets In (HAPI) Homes program — Cowboy, Mr. Bones and Ruby. These lovable pups aren’t just adorable faces; they play a key role in offering emotional support, teaching responsibility and maybe sneaking in a few extra snuggles.
Meet the Newest Four-Legged Family Members!
Mr. Bones: Hi, I’m Mr. Bones! A handsome young Basset Hound with the floppiest ears and the sweetest puppy-dog eyes. But I’m not just cute — I’ve got skills! I can pull off the perfect “embarrassed” look, spin in delight and — get this — push buttons on anything! My favorite activity? Trotting around campus in the hopes a kiddo will say hi.
Ruby: I’m Ruby, a brown-eyed mini Australian shepherd with a flair for attention, a love for food, fellow furry friends and shadowing my humans wherever they go — except if they take the stairs. While my vet calls me “round,” I proudly prefer “fluffy” and insist post-grooming slimness is simply an optical illusion!
Cowboy: Hi! My name is Cowboy. You might find me hanging out at Donations or Home and Office. I am a Markiesje Spaniel (Dutch Tulip Dog). I’m typically shy and quiet. I love camping, going on walks and riding in the car!
The HAPI Homes program started in 2017 with just three dogs. Since then, it has grown like a puppy that has discovered how to open a food container (see Ruby’s bio above). Not only do these canine companions bring joy, but research shows they boost social skills, self-esteem and even academic achievement. In fact, a study released by Pediatric Research says children with dogs may have fewer behavioral issues and have improved emotional development compared to those who grow up without a dog.
Need to get a child inspired to go outdoors? Pets in HAPI Homes motivate without even trying — even during cooler temperatures.
“At first, it sometimes takes a bit of coaxing for kids to go for afternoon walks as it warms up each spring, but not so in the HAPI Homes, where kids are anxious to take any one of the pups for walks!” said Maija, the program coordinator. “These walks provide kids with opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, get a little exercise and include lessons in self-care and socializing. I’ve seen so many people walking with kids and pups and the smiling faces say it all!”
Of course, not just any pup gets to be part of the program. Houseparents or staff personally own the dogs, and they have to pass some rigorous temperament tests, prove they’re up to date on vaccinations and earn their Canine Good Citizen certification before they can strut their stuff on campus. Once certified, they can visit homes and classrooms on a leash with their owner — but never alone with students.
Dogs have always held a special place in Lakota culture. Before horses arrived in the 1700s, the Lakota relied on the šúŋka — dog — for essential tasks. Now, with the HAPI Homes program, they continue that tradition by bringing comfort, companionship and a lot of tail-wagging enthusiasm to St. Joseph’s.
So, whether it’s helping students grow in confidence, lending a paw for emotional support or just being an all-around good boy (or girl!), Mr. Bones, Ruby and Cowboy are ready to do what dogs do best — make life a little happier. Or should we say “HAPI-er”?
“Dogs want to play, explore, run, be outside, and make friends just like kids do,” said Maija. “Put them together and there is nothing better.”
Want to learn more about this “pawsome” program? Visit St. Joseph’s Indian School for more details!
