Badge. Photo courtesy Wausau Police Department. Credit: YO YO FOTO 2017

 WAUSAU ? Schools can be extremely stressful settings for students, creating a strain on resources that can help young people cope with emotions, disorders or relationships. Therapy dogs provide an inexpensive way to assist students in focusing on their education. They provide a comforting presence for young people in need and are increasingly being used in addiction therapy and treatment centers.

At 10 a.m. April 25, Wisconsin Public Radio “Route 51” host Shereen Siewert welcomes Wausau Deputy Chief of Police Matt Barnes, Lakeside Recovery Manager Daniel Shine, Wausau East School Resource Officer Nick Stetzer and his dog, Badge.

Siewert and her guests will discuss how therapy dogs are being used to transform the way schools are helping students deal with stress and anxiety, and why they’re now being used in the addiction treatment setting.

“Route 51” airs on The Ideas Network stations 101.3 & 91.9/Wausau, AM 930/Auburndale-Stevens Point, 99.1/Stevens Point, 100.9/Marshfield, 90.3/Park Falls, 89.1/Adams-Wisconsin Rapids, and 89.9/Rhinelander-Eagle River.

Photo courtesy Wausau Police Department.