Injured Puppy Dumped with the Trash Gets ‘Second Chance’ as a Beloved Therapy Dog for Tenn. Middle School (Exclusive)

Simone has gone from trash to a treasured therapy dog.

In July 2024, a Good Samaritan, touring the cemeteries of Memphis, Tenn., found the pup and her two siblings abandoned in a crate dumped between two City of Memphis green trashcans on a downtown street, according to Tails of Hope Dog Rescue. The individual called Tails of Hope for advice on what to do, and the rescue recommended bringing the trio of puppies to their facilities.

Once the pups arrived at Tail of Hope, the rescue realized the neglect the three little dogs had endured. All the puppies were malnourished, balding, and uncomfortable from severe mange. They also suffered burns on their paws from being abandoned in a metal crate during a week when the temperature reached triple digits.

While the three dogs looked bleak to many, Tails of Hope knew they had fighting spirits that would respond well to affectionate attention and medical treatment. The rescue named the three puppies with resilience in mind, giving each dog a moniker inspired by a talented Olympian. Simone was named after Simone Biles, and her two siblings were named Phelps, for Michael Phelps, and Kobe, in tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Shortly after coming under Tails of Hope’s care, the puppies moved into foster homes to focus on their recovery. As Simone healed from her injuries, overcame mange, and started learning basic obedience and socialization, her personality emerged. Despite being a puppy, Simone turned out to be patient, gentle, and calm. Plus, she enjoyed being held by almost anyone — all marks of a potential therapy dog.

Tails of Hope has helped numerous rescue pets succeed as therapy animals and was ready to do it again with Simone if a curious adopter asked. Sally Parish, a vice provost and director of schools at the University of Memphis, came calling at just the right time.

Parish contacted Tails of Hope after the University of Memphis earned a Beyond Ordinary Learning Opportunities grant from the Tennessee Department of Education to start a pilot therapy dog program at University Middle School, the middle school located on the university’s campus.

“When I learned that we were selected to pilot this program, my first call was to a rescue agency with whom I had previously worked. I had previously worked with Tails of Hope to adopt my dog, and I knew they were a trusted, reputable organization that truly worked to help animals have a second chance at life,” Parish tells PEOPLE.

Tails of Hope knew Simone was the dog for the job. And after one visit from the pup, the school agreed with the rescue.

“Simone interviewed at the school a few days later, and she immediately captured the hearts of all our students and staff,” Parish recalls.

To make it official, Parish adopted Simone into her family, and the pup’s therapy dog training began. University Middle also helped one of Simone’s siblings find a home with a family from the school. Simone’s other brother has since found a forever home as well.

After her adoption, Simone underwent intensive therapy/comfort dog training with West Tennessee K9, a canine training center in Memphis. She continues to get training “tune-ups” and is always learning new information while on the job.

“Her training consisted of basic obedience training and specialized training in giving comfort and care. We worked with certified trainers who specialize in this type of training and relied on them for their expertise. Her placement as a therapy dog is at University Middle School, which is a public school on campus at the University of Memphis serving approximately 270 children in grades 6-8,” Parish summarizes.

What Simone provides these 270 middle schoolers varies depending on their needs, for almost every one, she is a source of smiles.

“Simone’s impact has surpassed anything we could have ever imagined. I have seen firsthand the joy she brings to our students, faculty, and families. Students’ faces light up when they see her, and she immediately brings joy into any room she enters. While middle schoolers can be notoriously moody, how can you be in a bad mood when you are petting a puppy?” Parish explains.

For others, Simone brings more than just a smile. She represents a beacon of consistency, comfort, and compassion.

“For many children, Simone is something they can look forward to every day. She is a constant and is someone they can count on for unconditional love and support. Sadly, we have kids in our school who do not receive that at home.,” Parish shares, adding, “She has inspired a culture of kindness and joy. She breaks down barriers and takes away some of the self-consciousness that often weaves its way into middle school. Kids can be themselves around her, and in doing so, they show their authentic selves to each other.”

The puppy — once thrown away like garbage — is also helping kids succeed with their actual schoolwork.

“We have a teacher who has researched the impact of Simone’s presence on student learning. When Simone spends time with her students before a quiz or a test, they perform better academically than when she is not there,” Parish adds.

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Simone’s “naturally comforting presence” doesn’t evaporate when she is off the clock. At Parish’s home, Simone’s “calming spirit,” strength, and resilience have inspired Parish’s family, who is now more committed to animal rescue and adoption than ever.

“She has taught us that everyone deserves love and that everyone can make a difference if they are only given a chance.” Parish says, adding, “Simone was given a second chance at life. And the puppy that was once found abandoned, thrown out with the trash, has now become a beacon of hope and love for hundreds of students.”

Parish hopes that Simone’s real-life rags-to-riches story will inspire others to give people and pets a chance to show their true selves regardless of what’s in their past.

“Some of the best teachers I have ever met are those I have taken a chance on- and Simone is no different. She went from being thrown out with the trash to being a hope and light for our students. I hope people learn the importance of taking a chance and making a difference.”

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