Simone, a rescue dog who was found malnourished near a dumpster during a heat wave, has found a new purpose as a therapy dog at University Middle School in Memphis, Tennessee. After her rescue in 2024, she was rehabilitated and now provides emotional support and stability for students, particularly helping them adjust to the challenges of middle school.
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Less than a month into the school year, administrators are already observing positive results. Ines Miske, a therapy dog handler from the University of Memphis, noted that many students feel more connected to the school due to the unique dog-based learning environment.
Simone plays a crucial role in assisting new sixth graders who often feel overwhelmed by their new surroundings. Hal Harmon, the school compliance coordinator, explained, "They're sort of a little bitty fish in a big pond when they come to middle school. We really try to enforce that sense of belonging, and the comfort and sweetness of a dog helps break those barriers, allowing children to let their guard down."
In addition to interacting with students between classes, Simone can be scheduled for individual visits, where she provides a non-judgmental ear for students. Interested teachers and students can fill out a form to inquire about visits, working closely with the professional school counselor.
Simone's journey and role serve as an inspiring reminder to students that overcoming adversity is possible. Miske emphasized the importance of Simone’s presence during this transitional phase in students' lives, stating, "During middle school, students feel like they're very alone, like nobody else understands what they're going through. My goal is for Simone to provide some emotional relief, so they don't have to talk about their feelings. They can just have a dog that understands them."