MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — A four-legged member of the counseling team at the high school in a Chicago suburb waits patiently, as a crush of students fills the halls. Her tail wags with the first pat, then another and another.

‘‘Puppy! Ohhh, puppy dog!’’ one teenager chants, as he affectionately tousles the ears of the 18-month-old golden retriever. Junie began her role as a ‘‘therapy dog’’ at Prospect High School four months ago.