At the end of 2025, two animal-assisted therapy events held two months apart at Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School brought comfort, connection, and renewed emotional strength to both students and faculty members.

From October 20 to 24, April from Grade 11 Class 1 hosted an exhibition on animal-assisted therapy in the fourth-floor atrium. On October 23, she invited the nonprofit organization Paw for Heal (PFH) to campus for a public lecture and interactive session featuring certified therapy dogs and cats.

Founded in 2012 by renowned Chinese animal behavior specialist Wu Qi, PFH has been recognized by numerous medical, eldercare, and educational institutions across China. The organization is dedicated to promoting mental and emotional well-being through animal-assisted interventions. Its service network spans more than ten cities nationwide and has benefited over 150,000 individuals to date.

April founded the Pawtential Club to advocate for animal welfare, and this exhibition approached the human–animal relationship from a different perspective, highlighting the healing power animals can offer to people. In the interview, she noted that animals are often viewed primarily as beings in need of protection or sympathy, while their capacity to heal is frequently overlooked. Beyond being companions, animals provide quiet comfort to elderly individuals living alone, help children with autism open up emotionally, and offer meaningful psychological support to individuals facing mental health challenges.

During the event, PFH founder Wu Qi, who has over twenty years of professional experience in the pet industry, delivered an engaging and accessible presentation. He explained that PFH’s core mission focuses on “the elderly and the young,” including seniors in care facilities, children in medical settings, and other vulnerable groups who can benefit from emotional companionship through animal-assisted interventions. He also outlined the rigorous selection and certification process for therapy animals. Therapy dogs and cats must pass professional evaluations in obedience, desensitization, and temperament to ensure they are gentle, calm, and non-aggressive. This structured and goal-oriented approach distinguishes animal-assisted therapy from everyday pet companionship.

In the final section of the event, several certified therapy animals entered the exhibition area under the guidance of their handlers. Students sat in small groups, with the calm and attentive animals becoming the center of each circle. Through guided interactions, students experienced the unique effects of professional animal-assisted therapy. The session helped clarify the common misconception that pet interaction alone constitutes therapy, while fostering a deeper understanding of the field's professionalism and broader social value.

Paws for a pause

By December, Grade 12 students were entering the most demanding stage of the college application season. To support their well-being during this high-pressure period, PFH was invited back to campus on December 18 to host a stress-relief animal-assisted therapy session specifically designed for seniors.

The session began with Wu Qi revisiting discussions from the previous Career Day, briefly introducing PFH's work and mission. He also shared the scientific basis behind animal-assisted therapy, explaining that interacting with animals can trigger the release of oxytocin and dopamine—hormones associated with pleasure, relaxation, and emotional regulation.

Soon after, the “animal guests” made their entrance accompanied by their handlers. Each team introduced their animal’s age, personality, and habits, followed by lighthearted demonstrations of trained behaviors. Some dogs followed commands to sit or stay, while others balanced treats for ten seconds without moving. These playful performances filled the room with laughter, easing the tension built up from weeks of academic pressure.

The interactive games that followed further energized the students. Divided into three teams, participants completed a series of collaborative challenges: forming tunnels with interlocked arms, creating pathways for animals to walk through with their feet, and carefully passing a cat from the front to the back of the line using a soft carrier. Homeroom teachers served as judges, scoring each team based on both the difficulty and execution of their performance. Afterward, students took turns engaging closely with the animals—petting their soft fur and enjoying moments of unconditional presence and acceptance. Gradually, the stress of the application season gave way to a sense of calm and emotional release.

Following the event, many students shared their reflections: “The most relaxed day I’ve had in weeks,” “I feel recharged and ready to keep going,” and “Spending time with these furry friends was pure happiness.” These simple yet sincere words captured the emotional impact of the experience.

From professional education during Career Day to emotional support during application season, these two animal-assisted therapy events strengthened the bond between humans and animals while raising awareness of the field’s value. As April expressed in her interview, animals are not only companions in daily life—they are powerful sources of healing and resilience. The warmth and connection shared during these moments will remain cherished memories, supporting students as they move forward with greater confidence and calm in the face of future challenges.