Canine Program

In moments of stress, uncertainty, or crisis, sometimes comfort doesn’t come from words—it comes on four paws.

The Scottsdale Unified School District Foundation proudly supports the School Resource Unit Canine Program, a powerful partnership that brings trained support canines into our schools to provide calm, connection, and care for students, staff, and the broader community.

Meet Rocket, a seven-year-old Golden Retriever and the  first Police K-9 assigned to a School Resource Officer in Maricopa County. Rocket is partnered with Officer Devon Lines , serving as the School Resource Officer at Chaparral High School, and travels to other SUSD campuses as needed.

Rocket’s presence helps:

• Comfort students and victims during difficult moments
• De-escalate high-stress situations
• Build trust and positive connections across school communities

What began with Rocket has grown into something truly special.

Thanks to the generosity of the Chaparral High School Association of Parents and Teachers (CHAPTS) and the SUSD Foundation, more than $34,000 was raised to launch the program. Continued support from the Farley Family Charitable Trust, in partnership with the Scottsdale Police Department School Resource Unit, has allowed the program to expand.

Today, the Crisis Canine Program includes:

• Rocket (joined January 2021)
• Captain (January 2022)
• Copper (July 2023)
• Farley (December 2025)

The goal is to serve all five learning communities.

These dogs are making a measurable difference:

• 2,078 individuals supported during emotional or mental health challenges
• 15,572 positive interactions through campus outreach
• Approximately 1,000 classroom visits, bringing smiles, calm, and connection

Each visit—often just a few minutes—helps create a safer, more supportive school environment.