Rescue dog found near a dumpster gets second chance at life as a school therapy dog
From being found malnourished near a dumpster in the middle of an extreme heat wave, Simone has overcome a lot since she was a puppy. Now, at University Middle School in Memphis, Tennessee, she provides emotional support and stability for students.
Less than a month into the school year, the school says they’ve already seen results with the students.
“A lot of kids already feel connected to the school, because how many schools can offer a dog-based learning program?” said Ines Miske, a University of Memphis therapy dog handler.
For Simone, the sound of the school bell means lots of pets on the head.
Simone was rescued in 2024, when she and her siblings were found near a dumpster.
In poor shape, she was rehabilitated and found her new purpose as University Middle School’s therapy dog.
She helps students navigate a new school and is particularly important when it comes to helping the new sixth graders transition.
“They’re sort of a little bitty fish in a big pond when they come to middle school. So we really try to enforce that sense of belonging, and, you know, the comfort and sweetness of a dog really sort of breaks those barriers, lets the children let their guard down,” said school compliance coordinator Hal Harmon.
She doesn’t just wait in the hall between class periods: Students can also schedule appointments to sit with her.
And while she may not talk back, she’s there to listen.
“We have a form where interested teachers and students can inquire about visits. And we’re working also with our professional school counselor,” Harmon said.
Simone’s story serves as a reminder to students of how they can overcome challenging situations.
Simone’s role was chosen specifically for middle school-aged kids because of the number of changes they’re going through at that age.
“During middle school, students feel like they’re very alone, like nobody else understands what they’re going through,” Miske said. “They have a very spotlight effect, and 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.”
