GULF SHORES — In the season of Thanksgiving, Gulf Shores City Schools (GSCS) held a celebration welcoming the newest member of the school family, Phin — the school's very first comfort dog.

About 70 people attended the official welcome party for Phin, with around 50 students and 20 general attendees, made up of school staff, city administration and parents.

Assistant Superintendent Stephanie Harrison said the school has Phin because a citizen asked the school if they would be interested in getting a school support dog.

Trudy Craft first heard of a school support dog when visiting her granddaughter, who has one at her school in Mobile. Trudy Craft, along with her husband, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft, donated Phin to GSCS.

"This wonderful, unique school system is really a family, a really big family," Trudy Craft said. "So, even though Phin's purpose is emotional support, she's really just the family pet. Together as a family we can learn and look forward to watching Phin thrive alongside this amazing school community."

Superintendent Matt Akin recognized special attendees of the event, including school board members and city officials.

In a press release from the event, Akin was quoted thanking Robert and Trudy Craft as well as Langston Animal Hospital, for providing free veterinarian services for Phin.

Harrison said at the event this partnership was "an absolute blessing" as pet owners know one of the largest expenses of owning a pet is the vet bill.

Adam Langston, doctor of veterinarian medicine with the clinic, said he noticed the Gulf Shores community often stands behind the school system and "we're just blessed to be a part of it."

Though this was Phin's official welcome, she has been spotted across the GSCS campus throughout the semester already.

A seventh-grade student, Jake Hare, spoke at the event on how Phin "has made each day better" for him at Gulf Shores Middle School.

"Some mornings, when I was stressed or tired or just not in the best mood, I saw her and instantly felt better," he said.

No matter how bad his day was, Hare said just a small interaction with Phin was enough to bring a smile to his face.

"For me, Phin isn't just a dog, she's part of what made this school year special," he said. "She makes our building warmer, our days brighter and our hearts a little softer."

According to the press release on the event, Phin is a 10-month-old female Goldendoodle trained at Smeraglia & Co. of Robertsdale. She is to support the social-emotional needs of students and staff at each of the GSCS schools.

"Her presence will support student well-being, reduce anxiety, strengthen connections and enhance the supportive learning environment that defines Gulf Shores City Schools," the press release reads.

At the event, Assistant Superintendent Harrison said students can speak with teachers, administrators, department directors, the mental health coordinator and counselors to reserve Phin for a class visit.

"She loves everybody, loves to play and, of course, loves those belly rubs," Harrison said.

According to the GCSC website, students or parents of students with dog allergies or a fear of dogs should notify the front office in order for appropriate accommodations to be made to Phin's campus visits.