Eddie the Therapy Dog: A Familiar Face at Concord-Carlisle High School

 Eddie the therapy dog regularly visits Concord-Carlisle High School, where he provides comfort and connection to students and staff. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District) 

CONCORD — At Concord-Carlisle High School, Eddie has his own school ID, joins students and staff on Picture Day and hears his name called as he walks through the hallways.

The therapy dog visits the school each week with his owner, Candy, through the Pets & People Foundation. Over the past several years, the pair have become familiar faces for students and staff, offering companionship and a chance to pause during the school day.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, CCHS Wellness Coordinator and School Psychologist Cristina Jonson spoke at the Foundation’s annual volunteer appreciation picnic, thanking Candy and Eddie and the volunteers who supported students and stafffollowing a tragedy that deeply affected the school community in 2025.

“They became familiar faces. They became part of the rhythm of our school. They became part of our community,” Jonson said.

During visits that last about 45 minutes, Eddie and Candy spend time in general education and special education classrooms and walk through the school to greet students and staff.

Jonson helps identify and support the wellness needs of students and staff. She said the partnership with Pets & People has become an important part of that work, giving members of the school community another source of comfort and connection.

After years of visits, Candy and Eddie no longer need introductions.

“They are greeted by name. They are recognized in the hallways. They are known. And, most importantly, they are loved,” Jonson said.

That relationship became especially important in 2025, when the school community experienced a period of grief and loss.

Pets & People coordinated visits from additional volunteers and therapy dogs to support students and staff. The teams walked through hallways, visited classrooms and spent extra time with those who needed support.

“You brought warmth. You brought comfort. You brought companionship when words were sometimes difficult to find,” Jonson told the volunteers Saturday. “And in a time when our community was hurting, you reminded us that we did not have to carry that hurt alone.”

Jonson thanked the volunteers for the time they spent at the school and the care they showed its students, faculty and staff.

“You brought comfort when we needed it most. You brought warmth, companionship, dog cuddles, and kind words. And most importantly, you showed up,” she said.

“Candy and Eddie have become a part of our school community that students and staff look forward to seeing each week,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “We’re grateful to them and to all the Pets & People volunteers who have given their time to support our community. They have been there for us on ordinary school days and when we’ve needed extra support.”

###

Eddie greeted another dog at Concord-Carlisle High School. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)