Abilene High School’s new facility dog, Duchess, is officially on campus thanks to the student-led Cowboy Companion project. AHS student B. Strickland applied for and received a $1,000 Youth in Action Grant from the Community Foundation to help bring this trained comfort dog to the school.

            The idea began with a simple goal: to create a more supportive and welcoming environment. Partnering with Rescues for Education, a program that trains shelter dogs for work in schools, the project team helped select and prepare Duchess, whose calm, steady presence now offers comfort to students throughout the school day. 

             To help bring Duchess to AHS, the Cowboy Companion team secured support from multiple partners, including Kiwanis, the Abilene Animal Hospital, and other local supporters. Their collaboration ensured the project was fully equipped to meet the training, veterinary, and program needs required for a successful facility dog placement. 

             The Cowboy Companion initiative is a shining example of what the Youth in Action Grant Program is all about...  empowering local students to identify a need, create a plan, and partner with the community to make meaningful change. 

             The Youth in Action Grant Program is open to students across the county who want to launch service projects, support their schools, or address needs they see in their community. Grants up to $1,000 are available year-round. 

Students interested in applying for a Youth in Action Grant can learn more at: https://www.communityfoundation.us/grants.cfm?gid=230

Pictured below (left to right): Zac from Rescues for Education, AHS student B. Strickland, and High School Counselor Rachel Schlesener, with Duchess.