Beau, Central’s Beloved Facility Dog, Shines On and Off Campus

If you’ve spent any time at Central lately, you’ve probably met Beau, our four-legged bundle of calm, comfort, and charisma who has quickly become one of the most popular members of our school community. Whether he’s greeting students in the hallway, sitting quietly in a classroom during a tough moment, or simply being a warm presence during the school day, Beau has made an unforgettable impression.

Beau’s presence has made waves not just in our school but throughout the community. An impact that has given our student-favorite facility dog his first television debut on FOX 2 Detroit, where he was featured in a story about the growing movement to bring trained facility dogs into Metro Detroit schools. The special highlighted Beau, his classmates, and the essential role these dogs play in student well-being.
 

From Campus Companion to Local Celebrity

Beau may be new to the school, but he has already earned celebrity status. Students stop to pet him between classes, staff members rely on his steady presence during challenging moments, and visitors are often surprised to learn how skilled he truly is.

As part of the Priority Pups program, Beau is not just a friendly school pet, he is a trained facility dog with a very intentional purpose. Priority Pups places dogs in local schools to support the emotional and mental health needs of students. These animals help reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, increase social connection, and create a more welcoming learning environment. Beau was trained specifically for this work, and his calm demeanor and intuitive reactions make him an ideal partner for our school.

Students interact with Beau in countless ways. Some seek him out during stressful moments, while others simply light up when they spot him in a classroom. Teachers have shared that having Beau present can help students stay grounded and engaged. For students who struggle with anxiety or overstimulation, Beau provides a non-judgmental, soothing influence.

Even brief interactions — a pat on the head, a moment of eye contact, or a quiet seat beside him, can transform a student’s day. Beau has become a safe space, especially for students who may not always feel comfortable expressing how they’re doing in words.

A Community Effort With a Big Purpose

Beau’s placement at Central is the result of collaboration between GVSU, Canines for Change and Priority Health, who help integrate him into the school day. The Priority Pups initiative continues to grow across Metro Detroit because of a shared belief: students’ mental health matters just as much as their academic success.

By choosing to welcome a facility dog into our schools, we are acknowledging that emotional support is not extra, it’s essential. Beau symbolizes a shift toward more compassionate, student-centered school environments. What makes Beau special goes beyond his training. It’s the way he changes the surrounding atmosphere.

You can hear it in the laughter of students rushing over to say hello.
You can see it in the shoulders that relax when he wanders into the room.
You can feel it in the sense of calm that follows him throughout the building.

Beau helps create moments of joy, relief, and connection. And when those moments happen consistently, they add up to a meaningful difference in how students experience school.

Looking Ahead: More Than a Mascot

Beau’s spotlight moment on FOX 2 is just the beginning. As he continues to grow with our community, we know his influence will keep expanding. His presence reminds us that healing, support, and encouragement can take many forms, sometimes even four paws and a wagging tail.

Central is proud to call Beau one of our own, and even prouder to be part of a program that invests in student wellness in such a powerful and heartfelt way.

Here’s to Beau, our campus companion, our quiet hero, our furry celebrity. His story is just beginning, and we’re grateful to share it with all of you.