News Summary
Sinclair Elementary School hosted a dog therapy session to support students and staff affected by the recent tragic flooding in Central Texas, which included the loss of a young girl. The event featured Justice, a Bernese Mountain Dog, who interacted with students and helped them cope with grief and trauma. Community solidarity was expressed through memorials for the girl, while additional therapy dogs were brought in to aid flood victims and relief workers. This initiative highlights the importance of emotional support in recovery after disasters.
Houston – Sinclair Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) hosted a dog therapy session on July 7, 2025, aiming to provide emotional support to students and staff following the recent tragic flooding in Central Texas and the loss of ten-year-old Greta Toranzo. Greta’s disappearance while attending Camp Mystic, which culminated in her drowning, has left the community grappling with grief and trauma.
The therapy session featured Justice, a four-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog renowned throughout the district for his comforting presence. This initiative was part of a broader response to the recent floods, which not only caused physical destruction but also deeply affected the mental well-being of the residents in the area. The event served as a reminder of the importance of emotional care in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Officer Steven Bennett, a key member of HISD’s PAWS Program, highlighted the significant role that therapy dogs like Justice play in helping children navigate emotions associated with grief, anxiety, trauma, and other challenges. During the session, Justice interacted warmly with the students, offering affection and solace during a time of overwhelming sadness.
In a demonstration of community solidarity, flowers, balloons, and heartfelt messages dedicated to Greta were placed in front of Sinclair Elementary. The school’s sidewalks bore encouraging notes written in chalk, symbolizing the collective support and remembrance of the young girl.
Many parents, including Denise Trejo, took their children to the event seeking emotional support and comfort. The engagement with Justice proved beneficial, as families shared that the presence of therapy dogs brought them a sense of relief amidst their heartbreak. Officer Bennett expressed his commitment to remaining at the school for as long as necessary to provide ongoing support to the community.
In memory of Greta, the school community encouraged everyone to wear blue, which was her favorite color, as a way to honor her memory and come together as a united front in facing their sorrow. The solidarity observed throughout Sinclair Elementary was mirrored in the broader community, where other organizations worked diligently to aid flood victims and support those emotionally impacted by the recent natural disaster.
In a related effort, the organization Angel PAWS brought four additional therapy dogs to Kerrville, Texas, in order to assist both the flood victims and the relief workers who are actively engaged in recovery efforts. Their contributions emphasize the critical need for support services in the aftermath of such traumatic events.
Volunteers and nonprofit organizations continue to rally support in various forms, helping survivors navigate their emotional distress while restoring a sense of normalcy to their lives. Experts recognize the considerable therapeutic benefits of animal interactions, particularly in alleviating stress and anxiety for individuals recovering from traumatic experiences. The presence of therapy dogs, like Justice, exemplifies a collaborative community response addressing both emotional and psychological needs during this challenging time.
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Additional Resources
- KHOU: Houston Therapy Dogs Help Flood Survivors
- Wikipedia: Therapy Dog
- ABC13: Therapy Dog Farewell Sendoff
- Google Search: Therapy Dogs Support
- Click2Houston: School Supports Therapy Dog and Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trauma Therapy
- UT Physicians: Four-Legged Therapy
- Google News: Therapy Dogs Impact
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
