ARLINGTON -- A North Texas animal therapy group is celebrating the anniversary of its relationship between their dogs and the students at an Arlington elementary school.

The special education students at Webb Elementary School in Arlington look forward to the first Friday of every month. For the past 15 years Paws Across Texas, an animal assisted therapy group, has been coming to the classroom. “As soon as the dogs come in, you will see certain kids that will react, that will smile. They love to see the dogs. They love to watch the dogs and to feel them,” said Lari Hileman, Webb Elementary teacher.

The dogs help the students develop motor skills like throwing, petting, and hugging.

“What I see is the strength that is in the arms, they get relaxed. They get calm if they are agitated. They get happy if they are sad. It’s great. It not only helps the children, but helps us help the children. Which teaches us more about how they learn with the dogs,” said Meg Stamp, Webb Elementary teacher.

While the students there don’t speak, neither do their four legged teachers. Words aren’t necessary though, for an unspoken lesson of acceptance and love. “I’m not sure they understand about the dogs being here, but it’s pleasurable, and that’s what makes it work,” said Stamp.

E-mail cizaguirre@wfaa.com