Loveland’s mental health advocacy group brings “Odin” to LHS

By Chuck Gibson (With thanks to Stacey Lund of BMMF) 

LOVELAND, OH (January 14, 2026) – It’s been in the works for more than two years. You could say “Odin” the therapy dog has been chomping at the bit to get to Loveland High School (LHS). Loveland’s Ben Morrison Memorial Fund (BMMF) just announced the arrival of LHS’ own therapy dog Monday, January 12, 2026.

Jayme Smith, Intervention Specialist at LHS is the handler for Odin, the one-year-old German Shepherd received specialized training graduating to become a certified school facility therapy dog. The therapy dog and his handler celebrated day one on the job Monday, January 12th. According to the announcement from BMMF, Odin demonstrates a table, friendly easy-going personality which help make him a great choice for LHS. He’ll use his training to provide affection, support and comfort.

In the announcement of Odin’s arrival at LHS, his qualifications were listed as follows:

• earned several AKC designations,
• passed the Alliance of Therapy Dogs evaluation, including skill specific training,
• completed an obedience program through Pack leader.

Odin’s daily routine at Loveland High School will include time with Ms. Smith or other specialists trained in his handling. He’ll be easily recognizable as a therapy dog, kept calmly composed, clean and on a leash and present where needed. All  students will have the choice to “opt-out” of contact with him if they wish. The opt-out option can be utilized if there are concerns about allergens or other clear reasons for concern. Hand-washing is always encouraged after students have contact with Odin.

The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund (BMMF) is an all-volunteer non-profit group dedicated to the mental health of young people in the community and works to make sure none of them struggle alone or without care or kindness. Their goals include fostering resilience and forward-thinking to remind those in crisis that there is more to their story and that there is help for them to get there. Working with training groups and Loveland Schools to bring in a therapy dog like Odin is just one of the ways they strive to achieve the goal of helping ensure the mental health of our young people – especially those most vulnerable.

“The academic studies are very supportive of the facility dog concept and aligned with our goals of support,” Megan Hogan, BMMF board member. “These include a referenced study on Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in Loveland, CO, where findings suggested that ‘animals facilitate positive social interactions, enhance empathy in addition to increasing opportunities for connections with others.”

Hogan went on to cite more from the studies showing: within a school setting, animals can assist young people by providing touch and affection, giving affirmation and acceptance, and offering a space for connection and relaxation. These studies give indications therapy animals may also reduce stress and burnout for counselors, teachers, staff, and administrators and often have a calming effect on students. Hogan also cited stories from other schools.

“There are anecdotal stories from other local Cincinnati schools and beyond, illustrating the power of animal connection in an educational setting and the practical implementation of the approach itself in a school setting,” said Hogan. “All of these outcomes help young people feel less hopeless, more connected, safer and more assured, which are really important for fostering forward-thinking in these young people, one of Ben Morrison Memorial Fund’s, primary goals.”

In her initial presentation to school officials, Jayme Smith showed these outcomes demonstrated benefits of increased motivation for learning, de-escalation in tense moments and assistance in allowing students to share more freely without judgement.

“Having a therapy dog in my classroom has been a long-term goal of mine,” Smith said. When I asked Mike Broadwater if it might be possible this school year, he connected me with Tori at the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund.”

Smith learned BMMF had been working toward the same goal at the same time. Our shared passion for supporting students aligned in a truly positive way.

“With BMMF’s financial and logistical support, this dream became a reality,” said Smith. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team working toward a common goal—helping students overcome challenges and thrive.”

Tori Morrison, President and Founder of the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund knows how most people relate to the connection between people, pets and animals in general.  

“Most animal lovers can probably relate to the power of the human-animal bond connection,” said Morrison. “It’s our hope is to bring this simple, calming presence, judgement-free kindness and reassurance to high school, which, let’s face it, can sometimes be a stressful experience.”

In 2023, just over a year after the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund was founded following the loss of the Morrison’s son Ben to suicide in 2021, Tori and her BMMF Board kept circling the concept of facility dogs for Loveland, knowing the research and positive anecdotal stories related to them. They began fundraising, worked with area groups that train facility dogs and eventually, through communication with leaders in the Loveland City Schools; principals and Superintendent Mike Broadwater along with local veterinary practices found the solution with Jayme Smith training with Odin. Now, the day has arrived a day Stacey Lund, BMMF Vice President has clearly been eager to witness.

“We have been so excited for this day to arrive,” said Lund.

In alignment with their Mission, the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund started the process, provided the support, the training and the $5k funding to make it happen.

 “We are so incredibly grateful to our donors and supporters for making these types of life-changing and group affecting gifts possible.” – Tori Morrison President & Founder Ben Morrison Memorial Fund

With Odin now on the job in the high school, LHS, Jayme Smith and the Guidance office are responsible for daily implementation of this special therapy dog services.

More about the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund: The Ben Morrison Memorial Fund is dedicated to erasing the stigma of mental health struggles, opening up conversation, and offering support lifelines to help save the lives of people in crisis and encourage everyone to cont;nue your story, to remind those in their darkest moment that there is more to their story and that there is help for them to get there. Find out more about Ben and the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund at: benmorrisonfund.org