A Gentle Nudge Toward Confidence
At Heptner, students recently explored self acceptance, unconditional love, and difficult conversations through a therapy group led by Jasmine with the help of Cooper.
Cooper has a special way of helping students feel safe, seen, and supported. During group, students learned about loving themselves and being proud of who they are. They also expressed those lessons creatively through shoebox floats for a Valentine’s Day parade.
The projects included a dog bone house for Cooper, a cat themed box, an origami heart, and a dinosaur creation. Each float reflected creativity, personality, and the confidence to participate.
Cooper’s impact also showed up in a quiet moment on the ropes course. One student with a broken arm felt left out and wanted to stop. Cooper gently nudged him with his nose, offering encouragement in a way words could not.
The student later described the moment as Cooper saying, “You got this, dude.”
Moments like this remind us that healing and growth often happen through connection. Whether through a therapy dog, a trusted adult, or a creative project, youth benefit from opportunities that help them feel supported and capable.
Yellowstone Foundation is proud to support programs that create space for connection, confidence, and growth.
