Genk – Don Bosco Secondary School in Genk has introduced a 4-month-old puppy named Ninja, owned by ICT coordinator Emanuel Vanderhallen, to provide emotional support to students. Staff and Director Karen Ceyssens will supervise interactions with the puppy to ensure a beneficial environment, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT News, Ninja is the latest addition to the school community. Vanderhallen conceived the idea of integrating a school dog based on his own formative experiences, believing it could be of significant aid to students.
“When I was ten, I lost a close friend and found it difficult to talk about my feelings. Being with a dog helped me express myself. I have had several dogs since then, but it never occurred to me to bring one to a school—until now,” he stated.
What can Genk’s Don Bosco Puppy Ninja do for students?
Ninja underwent a short practice period during the summer holidays to acclimate to the school environment, explored classrooms and playgrounds under Vanderhallen’s guidance. Today, September 2, 2025, marks Ninja’s official debut at the school, expected to provide comfort and support to students.
He noted, “We’ve prepared him as best we could for the school environment. I even rang the school bell at home.” Students expressed excitement upon meeting the new puppy, although staff have observed that students need reminders about interacting appropriately with a young dog.
“They are very enthusiastic, so we have to keep them in check,” Vanderhallen acknowledged, emphasizing that students receive clear instructions on how to behave around Ninja. “If too many students are demanding his attention at the same time, it can get overwhelming for him,” he added.
Vanderhallen encouraged students to ask before taking Ninja for a walk during recess, suggesting that they take turns based on who may benefit most from the calming presence of the puppy.
School Director Karen Ceyssens underscored the advantages of having a dog in a school setting, citing research that shows dogs can significantly enhance students’ psychological and social well-being. “Ninja provides social and emotional support for students during conversations,” she stated.
“He can reduce stress in anxious situations and offer a sense of calm and comfort. We see him as a therapy dog for both teachers and students,” Ceyssens added.
School dog programs have gained traction in Belgium over the past years. In 2020, Sint-Lutgardis School in Ghent implemented a therapy dog to help students manage stress and enhance focus. In 2022, Vrije Basisschool in Leuven integrated a dog designed to assist children with reading difficulties, allowing them to read aloud in a supportive environment. Similar initiatives have emerged in various schools across Belgium and neighboring European countries, aimed at improving emotional health and social well-being.
