Dog bringing comfort, joy to students at Brooklyn school

[anvplayer video=”5100021″ station=”998132″]

NEW YORK CITY – A gentle nudge or cuddle from a pet can bring comfort during tough times.

Shell Bank Junior High in Brooklyn is using that bond to teach students about empathy, teamwork and other life lessons.

Students say school is better with Brody. The 120-pound shelter dog is more member of the family than mascot.

After struggling in multiple families’ homes, he was brought to the school in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, thanks to a program called Mutt-i-grees.

The program was created in 2010 by North Shore Animal League America — based on Long Island. It helps to elevate the status and desirability of homeless animals and shelter pets.

Mutt-i-grees has 70 dogs in New York City schools and dozens more across the country.

Learn more about Brody’s long journey to where he is today by watching the video.