A sad day for kids at a Wichita grade school following the death of a fellow student.

Six-year-old Anthony Whalen collapsed on the playground at Black Elementary School Friday. The first grader later died at the hospital.

On Monday a crisis group was on hand to help students and teachers cope with the loss, and they had four therapy dogs to help with the effort.

Two-year-old Cheyenne was one of four dogs and about 25 faculty members available to help teachers and students talk about their feelings.

Six-year-old Anthony Whalen was at recess last Friday when he fell over and later died at a hospital. Hospital officials say he had a rare heart disease.

Support group coordinator Liz McGinness says, "A lot of kids wanted to know if he was in heaven."

McGinness says in times like these it's important children know they are safe at school.

One of the main concerns students had was if it could happen to them.

McGinness said, "It's real important not to be shocked because kids just want to know and I think that's one thing as adults, is be open and honest and just answer their questions."

Cindy Green works with the therapy dog. She says the kids are more willing to open up about their emotions when Cheyenne is around.

Therapy dog counselor Cindy Green says, "Kids that are sad or in a time of grieving, dogs just listen."

Anthony's funeral will be this Thursday. The principal at Black Elementary is planning to plant a tree in the new courtyard in his memory

A fund has been started to raise money to cover funeral costs for Anthony Whalen. You can make a donation at any INTRUST Bank. Make checks payable to: Entercom Community Fund.