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🐾 From Trash to Triumph: How One Abandoned Puppy Became a Beacon of Hope 🐾
In the sweltering Memphis heat of July 2024, a heartbreaking sight greeted a passerby: three tiny puppies, crammed into a crate and discarded like garbage on a street corner. One of them was barely holding on — frail, malnourished, and suffering from mange and burns.
That pup would be named Simone, after Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles — a tribute to strength, resilience, and grace under pressure.
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Simone the puppy after her rescue (left) and as a therapy dog. Photo: Tails of Hope Dog Rescue; Wendy Adams/ |
A Rough Start
Rescuers from Tails of Hope Dog Rescue rushed to save the puppies. Simone’s gentle nature shone through despite her pain. Her recovery wasn’t easy — it took time, medication, love, and round-the-clock care. But slowly, Simone’s tail began to wag again.
As her fur returned and her spirit mended, a new chapter began.
From Rescue to Role Model
Simone’s story touched the heart of Sally Parish, a faculty member at the University of Memphis and co-principal of University Middle School. Sally had been searching for a therapy dog for the students — someone to be a calming presence in the often chaotic world of middle school.
Simone was a perfect fit.
After training with West Tennessee K9, Simone now works full-time at the school. She listens to children read, helps calm students struggling with anxiety, and brings joy to the entire school community.
“Simone’s story is more than survival. It’s about how love and second chances can ripple outward and change lives,” said Parish in an interview with People Magazine.
Making a Difference
Today, Simone interacts with over 270 students, helping to improve not just emotional health, but even academic performance. Her very presence reduces stress and helps kids who might not otherwise open up.
Simone proves what dog lovers have always known: rescue dogs don’t just heal — they help heal others.
More info at:
People.com – From the Trash to Therapy Dog
Tails of Hope Dog Rescue