Imagine Memphis on a hot summer day. When you walk outside you instantly feel the heat on your skin. Now picture a crate filled with three abandoned puppies with the sun beating down on them thrown away like garbage. This was the beginning of Simone’s life.
Simone, named after Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and her siblings were rescued by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and were given a new life. Simone, once an ordinary pup, became an extraordinary dog and a student’s best friend.
Dr. Sally Parish, Vice Provost and Director of Schools for the University of Memphis’s on-campus school district, and her family adopted Simone and gave her the career of her dreams, becoming a therapy dog for the University Middle School.
“When the Department of Education opened the Beyond Ordinary Learning Opportunities grant, I knew immediately that University Middle would be the perfect school to pilot a therapy dog program”, Parish said.
Dogs in general are such powerful creatures. Therapy dogs serve in so many ways. Many college campuses have routine therapy dog visits to help students with stress, especially during exam season. Hospitals even have therapy dogs to comfort patients who are sick.
The search had begun to find the perfect therapy dog for the new program. Dr. Parish didn’t have to look far.
“I had worked with Tails of Hope previously to adopt my own dog, and knew they were a trusted, reputable organization that truly worked in service to helping animals have a second chance at life,” Parish said.
We all go through training at some point in our lives. Simone began her therapy dog training with the help of West Tennessee K9 last October. In a few months, Simone completed her training and received a certificate of completion.
We all know interviews can be scary, but even Simone had to go through one to start her career.
“She immediately captured the hearts of all of our students and staff and quickly found a role for herself on our team”, Parish said.
Simone may be a therapy dog, but she is magical as well.
Simone has a tremendous impact on the lives of students at the University Middle School. In addition to making people smile, she comforts students and is there if a student is having a stressful day.
Simone has an even greater impact on students who may have a rough home life. These students are excited to come to school to see Simone every day because they know she will make their day better.
The beauty of dogs, especially therapy dogs, is their presence is more than anything. Simone may interact with students during the day, but her presence in the classroom is sometimes all that is needed.
Kelsey Ryan, one of Simone’s main handlers and Director of Student and Family Engagement at University Schools-An Innovative School District shares a close bond with Simone.
“Some teachers will request to have Simone visit their classrooms on days when they are giving tests, as Simone's presence in the room helps to calm the students and helps them focus more on their work”, Ryan said.
It takes a special dog to be a therapy dog. What makes Simone a perfect therapy dog?
“Simone loves to snuggle and be pet”, Ryan said.
With work comes play. In her free time, Simone enjoys going on walks where she can meet people and play with her toys. You might even see her wearing a cute sweater or enjoying a peanut butter filled Kong.
“Simone has brought our school together in so many ways and is one of the most treasured members of our community,” Parish said.
