Meet Odin: Loveland High School's Newest Team Member

By Mike Meldon

Odin, Loveland High School's new therapy dog.

Loveland High School has a new regular in the hallways this winter, and he’s already become a favorite.

After more than two years of planning and collaboration, Odin, a one-year-old German Shepherd, officially began his work as Loveland High School’s facility therapy dog in January. While he may look like just another friendly dog, Odin has an important role: helping students and staff feel calmer, more supported, and a little less alone during stressful moments.

Odin works alongside his handler, Jayme Smith, an intervention specialist at LHS. Together, they bring a steady, welcoming presence to the school day. Odin has completed extensive obedience and therapy training, earned multiple American Kennel Club designations, and passed national evaluations to prepare him for a busy school environment. During the day, he’s always on a leash, clearly identified as a therapy dog, and only interacts with students who choose to engage with him.

The idea was brought to life with the help of the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, a local nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health advocacy. The organization helped fund Odin’s training and worked closely with school staff and local trainers to make the program possible.

Supporters point to growing research showing that therapy dogs can help lower stress, ease tense situations, and encourage connection. In a high school setting, where academic pressure and social challenges often collide, that calm, judgment-free presence can make a meaningful difference.

For Smith, bringing a therapy dog into her work has been a longtime goal. She hopes Odin will help students feel more comfortable opening up and seeking support when they need it most.

For the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, Odin’s arrival is about more than adding a dog to the school—it’s about reminding students that they matter, that help is close by, and that even on hard days, there’s room for comfort, connection, and hope.