Overcoming Trauma Through the Power of Silent Support
Finding solace in the presence of a steadfast companion, Alexis overcame her fear of returning to school after a shooting With her walking partner, she discovered a safe haven where she could simply exist, without the need to justify her past traumas
She couldn't bring herself to return. It was just impossible.
Whenever she left her home, the high schooler would constantly look for people reaching into backpacks. In public buildings, she would plan out the nearest exit. Even the sound of a plane's rumble - so reminiscent of the helicopters and SWAT vehicles that had hurried to control the violence that fall day in 2021 - would always make her burst into tears.
Alexis Hobson was a bright-eyed freshman, ready to start making memories in high school when a peer opened fire, taking the lives of four classmates, injuring six others, as well as a teacher -turning Oxford High School into yet another tragic casualty of America's ongoing school shooting epidemic.
Law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa, U.S., January 4, 2024. REUTERS/Scott Morgan
Scott Morgan/Reuters
The Iowa school shooter allegedly posted a disturbing TikTok video before taking the life of a 6th grader and injuring 5 others. The campus, which had previously been a place of hope for Alexis, was now burdened with tragedy, she shared with CNN. Following the incident, classes were temporarily cancelled, but unlike other schools impacted by similar tragedies, this campus would reopen just weeks later.
And Alexis, despite the hypervigilance shed developed, wanted badly to return.
"Ive always loved school," she said. "I love learning. I love being in the school environment."
Extra police were present to protect the traumatized Oakland County students. In addition to law enforcement, a team of comforting dogs were also available to help the students process their emotions. The sheriff, who had introduced the use of comfort dogs, explained that the furry counselors helped the students address their internal emotional struggles that they may not be able to express in words.
Despite the presence of additional police and supportive dogs, Alexis attempted to return to Oxford High on a daily basis. However, she struggled to overcome her fight-or-flight response, despite her efforts to gather the courage.
"Id get in the building and everything in me would tell me I needed to run," she told CNN.
Over two weeks, Alexis only made it through two full days.
"And there were other days where I woke up, and I was convinced that if I went in the building, I would die."
The teenager knew she needed to switch to online school.
At least for a while.
Training a force of emotional guards
Sheriff Michael Bouchard had initiated the development of a comfort dog program just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Michigan, when anxiety and mental health were growing concerns. Rather than the typical image of large German shepherds used for drug detection, Bouchard aimed to select friendly dogs with a soothing presence for this K-9 program.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby spent time with a family she had met during their deployment in May.
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The sheriff consulted with a professor who had conducted research comparing different breeds in order to choose the most suitable one. The professor recommended silky, wide-eyed Cavalier Spaniels as they are small in size and have boundless enthusiasm, making them akin to a "lifetime puppy." "They're tiny, so we can actually put them on someone's lap in a wheelchair or on a hospital bed," Bouchard explained. "For younger kids, some dogs may look them right in the eye, and sometimes it's a little scary. So, this is really a disarming size."
The impact of these comfort dogs is significant. Deputy Danya Waskom witnessed one of the dogs helping a person in distress go from wanting to harm themselves to seeking help, as she shared with CNN. The pack has become an integral part of the Oakland County community, expanding to 13 dogs, one of which was named in honor of a local high school.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard poses with Max and a costumed mascot.
Courtesy Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard
When Bouchard walks down the street, he said, hes often greeted with a flurry of: "Wheres Max?" "Is that Wildcat?" "Oh, theres Oxford!"
After the shooting, Oxford High School reopened nearly two months later with the support of comfort dogs to assist the students in the reintegration process. Max, in particular, played a key role in helping to ease the teenagers' anxiety on the first day back.
"The students were immediately drawn to Max," remarked Bouchard, "and the dogs visibly helped to ease their emotional burden."
After spending an hour with the students, Bouchard observed Max laying down and nearly passing out, the sheriff remembered. He had never seen the dog so worn out.
"That's their job," he remarked. "They assist people and alleviate some of the fear."
Alexis mentioned that during her months of online school, she also had the opportunity to spend time with comfort dogs. She expressed her gratitude by sending little notes and gift cards to their handlers. Additionally, she later delivered a speech for the unveiling of a statue for a nearby city's school dogs program. As her sophomore year approached, Alexis made the decision to return to in-person classes.
This time, though, one part of her routine would be different.
Trying again, as the girl with the dog
Alexis started spending one-on-one time each morning at Oxford High's campus with Oxford, a member of Bouchard's comfort dog pack. Recently, Oxford had been struggling and crying in the office while his handler carried out his morning duties. Alexis enjoyed going on walks with the energetic and lively little dog, whose fur resembled a canvas with small white painted spots, much like the paintings she creates at home.
Immediately, she saw herself making progress.
Oronde McClain, a community activist and survivor of gun violence, was shot in the back of the head at 10 years old. He posed for a portrait in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 16, 2023. According to official data, more than 45,000 people died from gun violence in 2020, with over half of them being attributed to suicide. The United States faces a significant economic impact from gun violence, costing tens of billions of dollars in medical expenses and lost productivity. However, little attention is given to the survivors of such violence. A study by Elinore Kaufman, a doctor at the trauma division of Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, revealed that firearms caused double the injuries compared to deaths between 2009 and 2017. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Survivors of shootings face significant health challenges and financial burdens. Oxford would begin his day with a generous stretch, followed by a playful crawl across the floor before going to see the security guards, who were always happy to give him treats. He would then visit the cafeteria to see his "regulars," said Alexis. If someone didn't pet Oxford, he would sit next to them until they relented because "he's so silly; he wants everyone's attention."
Alexis' classmates would often tell her that petting Oxford was exactly what they needed that day. She would watch them laugh as he scooted around the floor or scampered over and looked up. She considered it a privilege to see Oxford's positive impact on so many of her peers. "With Oxford, I didn't have to explain all the trauma I had experienced," Alexis said.
She could just be.
"Whats so special about therapy dogs is that there are no words required," she said. "They just provide comfort."
She felt a sense of duty as she started spending her mornings with Oxford, "I made a commitment to Oxford, and he will be there waiting for me," Alexis remembered. And every time she finished their walks, Alexis found herself leaving with a smile on her face.
The sophomore's perception of her school underwent a transformation, piece by piece, as she confronted the very real dangers she had once fled from, as well as those she had perceived as her own.
Oxford sits in class.
Courtesy Katie Hobson
It was the peace she needed to return to in-person classes.
And reclaim her love of being at school.
Alexis admitted that she hadn't spent a full week in the beautiful Oxford building until she started spending time with him. "Many people doubted I'd ever return, and I had my doubts too," she added. "But being with him brought comfort and the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the surroundings."
Alexis is now known by her classmates as the "girl with the dog" since she has returned to school full-time in person. Even though there are still difficult days, she can now hear an ambulance or a plane without feeling anxious. She walks into school with ease and sits down in her classroom, feeling far removed from any thoughts of a shooting.
Alexis has big plans for the future, with art school being her ultimate dream. She enjoys creating scrapbooks, painting, and designing "bracelets for shoes" which she sells at a local store. She is also determined to pursue her education every morning, with the confidence that she can overcome any challenges that may come her way, even if her boyfriend, Oxford, is not by her side.
