The Van Nuys Highschool Cat, Dusty, who has brought comfort to students and staff members in our community, is in danger of being taken away despite their clear comfort. 

Over the past few months, Van Nuys High school students have exercised empathy by feeding the cats on campus and found comfort in Dusty. Students during finals have sought out our therapy cat for comfort and others have found motivation through Dusty to come to school. 

Students across all grade levels view the cat as a source of comfort, students are learning empathy, and teachers are amazed at how responsibly and gently students behave around it, because Dusty keeps coming back. However, recently Van Nuys High School administration has detailed plans to capture these cats and send them away. 

Sending these cats away puts their safety and students at risk. Dusty, who barely shied away from us and instead chose to embrace us, shows how deeply our students can care and connect with us. The bond and comfort it brings is not incidental. According to the San Jose Mental Health Organization, “Therapy animals have some purposes, one of which is comfort. To those suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health disorders, a therapy animal can be very comforting. Studies show that exposure to animals can cause oxytocin to be the “love hormone,” which fosters feelings of attachment and affection.” 

Without it, students and staff will lose a new source of joy and our beloved, widely celebrated “mascot,” Dusty. 

We are calling the Van Nuys High School Administration to reconsider the plans of taking away our beloved cat.  

By signing this petition, you are standing up for our school’s wellbeing. Together, we can show Van Nuys High School that Dusty is not a threat to us, but a force that motivates and comforts us. Please sign and share to keep our cats safe and happy! 

Van Nuys High School Administration: Please recognize our pleas and prioritize your student’s wellbeing by leaving our cats alone.