Jackson Avery Ordanes, also known as Jack the Therapy Dog, stretches himself awake; he waits for the jingle of his harness and the two words, “Let’s go.” 

“He’s happy,” Mental Health Specialist Kristin Ordanes said. “He’s one of the happiest dogs. I think he smiles the whole way in the car on our way to work.”

Their alliance began when Ordanes, who formerly taught at Greenwood Elementary, noticed her kids experiencing strong emotions. While researching how to help them, she came across an article about therapy dogs in classrooms. After conferring with her principals, in June of 2019, Ordanes got Jack as a puppy. 

Jack was certified for therapy through PetSmart and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which taught him to stay calm and listen to commands. At the end of April 2023, the new Mental Health Specialist position opened up in high schools across Klein.

“I immediately wanted to apply for it because I think that it’s so important,” Ordanes said. “You guys are so aware of your feelings. It’s really cool to be able to come in, talk to you guys, have you be so verbal, identify your feelings, and help you navigate them.”

Now weighing 45 pounds, Jack begins his high school career at Klein Forest; students catch glimpses of fluffy brown fur in the cafeteria, classrooms, and of course, the main counseling office, where Jack accompanies his visitors.

“He immediately puts people at ease,” Ordanes said. “If they’re anxious, they can just sit in, pet him and calm down. He makes people smile.”

According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, studies show a sixth of students ages 6-17 struggle with mental disorders every year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. Students anticipate the integration of Jack will benefit Klein Forest; some students even feel the impact of smaller interactions with Jack.

“I was struggling with school starting again,” junior Maxine Barrera said. “When I saw Jack and I was able to pet him, it just made me feel that much better.”

The main counseling office is open to students whenever they need a break or need help assessing their emotions. Jack comforted students like freshman Megan Kimble.

“He laid on my feet and it calmed me down,” Kimble said. “It’s nice to talk and [Ms. Ordanes] recommended I speak to a doctor, so she helped me communicate that to [my dad].”

When Jack walks through the same glassy doors every morning surrounded by smiles and curious eyes, he can’t help but begin grinning ear to ear. Hands scratch his chin, fingertips graze through his fur, and Jack sticks his tongue out in delight, confirming the affinity is mutual.

Students in crisis can always reach out to their Mental Health Specialist and refer to TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine), which provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to schools, helping identify and assess behavioral health needs. 

• For more information about TCHATT: [email protected] or 713-486-CHAT (2428)
• Cypress Creek Hospital
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline