PAWSitive Partnership: City of Mission’s Milo visits Mission CISD

MISSION, TEXAS– In a step toward tackling the youth mental health crisis, O’Grady Elementary has become the first Mission CISD campus to partner with the City of Mission Mental Health Department to bring students a powerful presentation on emotional wellness.

At the heart of the program was Milo, the city’s new emotional wellness dog, who stole the show while helping spark serious conversations about mental health, stress management, and kindness.

The event was about opening the door to conversations that many young people need. Mission Police Department Officers Hernandez and Moreno joined the session to share resources and remind students that law enforcement is part of the network of support available to them.

O’Grady Elementary Principal Angelina Garcia emphasized the importance of this type of collaboration.

“For our students, seeing that Mission PD and our community partners care about them sends such a powerful message,” Garcia said. “It tells them their feelings matter, their mental health matters, and they always have people they can count on.”

During the presentation, students practiced box breathing exercises, a proven technique to help regulate stress and emotions, and were reminded that no one has to face challenges alone. The interactive activity gave students a tangible tool to use when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Mission CISD Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Miguel Garza also joined the presentation, bringing along the district’s therapy dog, Comet. Together, Milo and Comet helped students connect with the important message in a way that felt supportive, approachable, and memorable.

The timing of O’Grady’s initiative is no coincidence. Across Texas and the nation, student mental health challenges are at historic highs.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 42% of high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row (during the past 12 months) that they stopped doing usual activities.

These statistics are why events like O’Grady’s presentation are vital to the district’s mission of educating the whole child.

Officer Hernandez spoke about the responsibility everyone shares in creating change.

“Mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a part to play in making things better,” Hernandez said. “Milo shows students what kindness and comfort can look like, and it’s a reminder that even small acts of care can make a big difference.”

After the presentation, Garza, who attended alongside the district’s therapy dog Comet, shared important information about resources available to anyone in crisis. Just as Comet offers comfort and support on campus, Garza emphasized that students and families should know there are resources ready to help them at any time.

“The 988 Lifeline is like 911, but for mental health,” Garza shared. “This resource is there for everyone, 24/7. You can call or even text if speaking feels too difficult, and trained professionals will walk you through the best steps to take in that moment.”

With Milo and Comet leading the way, Mission CISD has set the tone for what student-centered mental health support can look like. The district plans to continue expanding awareness, resources, and proactive outreach across campuses, ensuring students know they are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.