

5 Good Things: How This School Helps Teens Turn Over a New Leaf
Oct 4, 2025
Explore how therapy dogs are helping first responders manage stress, offering comfort in tough times. Hear about striking nurses who rushed to assist victims of a mass shooting, showcasing their dedication. Discover actress Constance Marie's heartfelt sesentaanera fundraiser at 60, celebrating culture and supporting immigrant nonprofits. Unwind at a unique D.C. bar that locks up phones to enhance real-life connections. Finally, learn about a school using outdoor hikes as a form of detention, promoting reflection and community engagement.
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Therapy Dogs Reduce First Responder Stress
- Petting therapy dogs measurably lowers cortisol and raises endorphins for first responders under chronic stress.
- First Responder Therapy Dogs scaled quickly, supporting over 150,000 responders with 480 teams since 2021.
A Dog Named Kareth Sparked A Movement
- Heidi Carmen started First Responder Therapy Dogs after her golden retriever Kareth showed natural friendliness and comforted crews during the 2020 fire season.
- That personal start grew into a national nonprofit sending hundreds of certified teams to stations and disaster zones.
Striking Nurses Rushed To Help Anyway
- About 700 striking nurses in Grand Blanc, Michigan dropped everything to help after a nearby mass shooting and fire despite the labor dispute.
- Nurses offered on-scene care, snacks, and comfort but were told by hospitals they couldn't clock in during the strike.