The Pearl and Texas State launch study on a resident dog in addiction recovery

The Pearl, a women’s residential addiction treatment program in Texas, is partnering with Texas State University on a study that will examine whether a permanent resident canine improves connection, emotional regulation and spiritual well-being in early recovery. The research begins July 22, 2026, and could help shape future behavioral health treatment models.

Why it matters: - The study could add evidence for a treatment approach that goes beyond standard animal-assisted therapy. - Researchers will examine whether a permanent resident dog helps women in early recovery feel safer, more connected and more engaged in treatment. - If the findings back up clinical observations, the work could influence future behavioral healthcare models and the use of companion animals in residential programs.

What happened: - The Pearl, a women’s residential addiction treatment program within Foundation Stone Family of Programs, partnered with Texas State University on a research study focused on canine presence in substance use disorder treatment. - The study starts July 22, 2026, at The Pearl’s residential campus in Texas. - The resident dog is Bougie, a French Bulldog who will live full-time at The Pearl.

The details: - The research will look at the spiritual benefit of canine presence in treatment. - The study will track whether daily interaction with Bougie affects connection, emotional regulation, hope, purpose and spiritual engagement among women in early recovery. - Researchers will use both qualitative and quantitative measures throughout participants’ treatment experience. - The study will also examine emotional safety, trust, community engagement and spiritual well-being. - Bougie differs from a therapy dog because Bougie will be part of the residential community every day rather than visiting periodically. - Marsha Stone, founder and CEO of Foundation Stone Family of Programs, said the partnership builds on years of observing how healing happens through connection. - Marsha Stone said addiction isolates people, while recovery restores relationships with ourselves, with others and often with a Higher Power. - Morgan Gaither, the study’s principal investigator and a graduate student at Texas State University, said early recovery often involves reconnecting with other people, with yourself and with something greater than yourself. - Morgan Gaither said personal recovery experience showed the value of a canine companion during healing. - Dr. Jonathan Stone, Bougie’s veterinarian, said the human-animal bond can provide comfort without expectation. - Dr. Jonathan Stone said he has seen the therapeutic value animals bring during difficult moments.

Between the lines: - The study reflects a broader push to connect addiction treatment with emotional, relational and spiritual support, not just clinical care. - The focus on a permanent resident animal suggests researchers are testing whether consistent companionship matters more than occasional animal visits. - The project also gives Texas State University a chance to study an under-researched part of residential recovery settings.

What's next: - The Pearl and Texas State University will evaluate participants during treatment and look for patterns in recovery outcomes linked to Bougie’s presence. - If the results are positive, the findings could encourage broader integration of resident companion animals in behavioral health settings. - The research may also help inform future treatment models that aim to improve outcomes for families.

The bottom line: - The Pearl is betting that a French Bulldog living full-time in a treatment community can help researchers better understand how connection supports recovery.