CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)--At Howard Gardner Community School in Chula Vista, the most popular student is just 8 months old.

Thunder, the therapy dog, is a Siberian Husky mix with a gentle disposition: Changing the lives of young learners.

“When I got here, I noticed we provide a lot for what the kids need, but there was something missing,” said Kat Shaw, Howard Gardner Community School Executive Director.

Shaw said she thought a dog might be the perfect addition, and began fostering Thunder. When she brought him to school, it quickly became clear that he was exactly what the students needed.

“Kids would say, 'Hey, I’m upset, can I come in, cry it out, and play with the dog? '” Shaw said.

Given the positive interactions with the students, it was a no-brainer, Thunder would beco

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