Our Own Stars: Animals on Campus

If you’ve been to DLRC even once, you know them. They are funny, lovable, and chaotic. Everyone loves them—kids, teachers, random visitors—nobody is immune. I’m talking about our campus dogs, Jacko and Raja.

Jacko is… special. He’s white, with brown patches all over his furry body. He’s an old, gentle soul who is fuelled entirely by belly rubs. Once you start petting him, you physically cannot stop because of the puppy eyes he gives. One time, he absolutely reeked of paneer gravy, and nobody knows why. He walked around proudly, smelling like our lunch, while people recoiled from him.

Jacko/ Picture courtesy: Priyanka Deshpande

Raja, a beige coloured menace, on the other hand, is a bit more dramatic. He sometimes fights with other dogs, which makes sense because he’s very territorial and very serious about his role as Campus Protector™. Once, during assembly, while our talented dancers were standing on stage waiting for the music to start, Raja casually pranced out into the open. The entire amphitheatre burst out laughing. He was eventually lured away by Prathamesh Sir, our EVM and Geography facilitator.

Both Raja and Jacko follow Priyanka Ma’am (our English facilitator) and Prathamesh Sir everywhere, like furry bodyguards. Wherever those two go, Jacko and Raja are not far behind. It’s genuinely adorable.

Raja/ Picture courtesy: Pooja Patil

But it’s not just the dogs. Animals somehow always find a way to become part of our campus story.

There was this one time when birds laid eggs in school, and it turned into a really fascinating experience. We saw everything — the tiny cracks in the shells, the awkward fluffy stage where they were basically little blobs with beaks. Then they grew into fledglings, figuring out their wings, trying again and again until they finally lifted off.

The saddest part was saying goodbye when they flew away.

For something so small, it felt huge. It was like we’d watched a whole documentary happen in real life.

Academics can be stressful. Tests, deadlines, expectations, social stuff — it all piles up. And sometimes you don’t even realise how tense you are until you see a dog just… existing.

There’s actual psychology behind why that helps.

Studies show that being around dogs can reduce stress and anxiety in students. Just petting a dog can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and make you feel calmer and safer. Research on therapy dogs in schools has found that students feel more relaxed, emotionally supported, and comfortable in school environments when dogs are present.

Dogs also help with emotional regulation and social interaction. Some studies suggest that students find it easier to open up, communicate, and connect when animals are around, because dogs don’t judge or pressure you. 

Even mood and focus can improve. According to articles on classroom pets and school dogs, animals can help create a more positive atmosphere, which makes school feel less intense and more human.

But honestly? You don’t need to read articles to see it.

You see it when someone is clearly having a bad day and stops to pet Jacko for a minute. You see it when a group of kids gathers around Raja and forget about everything else. You see it when the whole place just feels… lighter.

They make school better just by being there.

And honestly? Every school should have dogs like them.

By Avani Singh, Grade 11