Students in the MUTT group at James Wilson Young Middle School welcomed a special visitor at their latest meeting: Grunt, a dog from the Mutt-i-grees family. The MUTT group, which stands for Motivated, Understanding, Thoughtful, Teenage, Students, was established this year and meets twice a month under the guidance of Mr. Molinari.
The group follows the Mutt-i-grees curriculum, a social and emotional learning program developed by North Shore Animal League America in collaboration with Yale University. This program uses canine-assisted activities to help students understand the benefits of human-animal interactions while enhancing their resilience and social-emotional competence.
At their most recent meeting, the students discussed the importance of bouncing back from challenges. They talked about setbacks, failures and disappointments, and the importance of having support systems and coping mechanisms. Grunt's visit proved to be a perfect example of how animals can provide comfort and emotional support. His presence immediately lifted the students' spirits, reinforcing the value of animal companionship in fostering emotional well-being.
In addition to their discussions, the MUTT group regularly participates in activities involving animals. Recently, they organized a Pot of Gold Animal Shelter Drive, collecting over 200 items for the Almost Home animal shelter in Patchogue!
