A research question rooted in connection

In July 2026, Foundation Stone Family of Programs announced a research collaboration between The Pearl and Texas State University. The study was designed to explore a simple question: what might a dog’s everyday presence mean for women living in a residential recovery community?

The research questions focused on connection and community, emotional regulation, hope, purpose, and spiritual engagement.

A familiar presence in daily life

The July announcement introduced Bougie, a French Bulldog, as the dog at the center of the study. The plan was for Bougie to live full-time at The Pearl, becoming part of the community’s daily rhythms rather than visiting only for scheduled sessions.

“Healing happens through connection.”

Marsha Stone, Founder and CEO of Foundation Stone Family of Programs, in the July announcement

The planned start date was July 22, 2026, at The Pearl’s residential campus in Texas. Morgan Gaither, a graduate student at Texas State University, was named principal investigator.

The Pearl’s role

The Pearl is a women’s residential addiction treatment program within Foundation Stone Family of Programs. Its approach brings together clinical support, structured recovery work, and community.

Care built around connection

Foundation Stone’s family of programs was built around the belief that care should be thoughtful, individualized, and rooted in hope.

For this project, the focus is the experience of women living in a recovery community and the connections that are part of daily life.