Therapy dogs interact with students

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Therapy dogs in Suffolk are making a huge impact on a group of children living with autism.

For more than a year, dogs from the Suffolk Humane Society and children at Rivers Bend Academy have been spending time together.

The program began as a tool to help the children better communicate, but  teachers say it has done so much more.

"Some of the kids who used to be petrified of the dogs are now standing in the same room with them. Others are now sitting on the floor petting, versus jumping up on the table screaming," said Academy Director Wendy Fitch.

Click here for more information about the therapy dogs.