Mac is a dog with a very important job. As a therapy dog at a kindergarten in the United States, he transforms the school environment and positively impacts the lives of dozens of children every day.
His mission is to be a friend, a walking target of affection, and a messenger of positive energy for the young students. And, apparently, he’s very good at it.
Mac has lived in a loving home since he was little.
“We got him as a puppy six years ago,” wrote his owner, who works in the school administration.
On weekends, Mac enjoys a dog’s normal routine: walks, games, and lots of rest.
But on Mondays, he returns energized to his “workplace,” where he performs his duties with dedication.
A Day’s Work for Mac
Every morning, Mac arrives at school eagerly. His first task is to greet the children, allowing them to pet him as they enter the school.
During activities, he stays next to the group, observing carefully or accompanying the little ones from room to room.
When a child needs to leave the room, there goes Mac, making sure everyone returns safely.
When it’s time to read, Mac is a special companion. He sits among the children or in a corner, attentive to everything.
He even participates in physical education! While the little ones exercise, he encourages them with his cheerful presence, receiving lots of affection along the way.
But Mac’s favorite part is downtime, when he can relax with the kids.
And he doesn’t miss any detail of the school day.
During fire prevention week, for example, Mac was attentive to every explanation from the firefighters, as if he were ready for an emergency.
At the end of the day, Mac takes on his final role: strategically positioning himself to receive cuddles from the children as they head home.
It was this moment that the tutor captured in a video that quickly went viral, with more than 2.9 million views .
“He loves children and always wants to be around them,” she said.
The kids love Mac equally and he seems to be proud of it, as netizens noted:
“I love how he looks at you, like… do you see how popular I am, mom??!!”, commented one netizen.
“He looked in and said, ‘Heh heh, they petted me,’” joked another.
In fact, according to the guardian, that little look means more of a “can we come along, mom? Please?”
Mac’s presence, besides being fun, also brings countless benefits to children and the school environment.
According to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs , therapy dogs help improve school attendance, promote calm, and contribute to students’ social-emotional development.
Socioemotional benefits
Therapy dogs, like Mac, help children’s social-emotional development by providing companionship and an accepting environment.
They are good listeners, non-judgmental, and build strong bonds with students, helping them feel more confident and connected.
Mac, for example, receives children’s drawings with affection:
Studies show that these interactions also help reduce negative behaviors, improving mental well-being.
These dogs are also social catalysts, encouraging children to develop social skills and empathy.
Their presence encourages social behavior and fosters an environment of collaboration and trust.
Cognitive benefits
Interaction with therapy dogs also positively impacts cognitive development.
Skills such as reading, problem-solving, and memory are enhanced in environments that include these animals.
A study from the University of California showed that children who participate in programs with therapy dogs show a significant increase in reading fluency , between 12% and 30%.
