A Day in the Life of Rey the Comfort Dog

Rey Reynolds joined the Student Support Office last fall as the official ROBS comfort dog. He was hired after two eighth grade students presented a proposal to have a comfort dog on staff—an idea which stemmed from their Capstone Scholar project. The students presented a compelling, research-based case, finding that comfort dogs can enhance children’s psychological development, improve social skills, increase empathy, and relieve anxiety. According to their research, simply petting a dog can decrease levels of stress hormones, regulate breathing, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, students often use a comfort dog as an excuse to visit the school counselor’s office.

Newly adopted by Head of School Leanne Reynolds, Rey seemed like a perfect fit for the job. The mild-mannered King Charles Cavalier obtained certification as an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and was ready for his new role. Or was he? According to him, it’s not the glamorous gig everyone thinks it is.

Contributors: MacLaine Gray and John Greeley

7:30 A.M.

Mom and I walk to work. Even though we live behind the school, the walk takes FOREVER because everyone wants to stop and pet me. All the kids know I’m safe because I wear my official employee badge. I’m a bit of a celebrity around here. And let me tell you, it is hard work.

7:45 A.M.

We finally make it to the elevator (mom knows I don’t like the stairs) and I sprint to her office to dodge any adoring fans. The first hour of work is my favorite, and perhaps the most important, because that’s when I take my first nap of the day. Mom says I’m her laziest employee but she’ll never fire me. My performance reviews are too good.

10:30 A.M.

Dr. Gregg leaves the office in between appointments. I pretend to be asleep so she won’t put me in my kennel. Once the coast is clear, I dash to the trashcan where I am bound to find a feast. Candy wrappers, smoothies, salsa… the messier, the tastier. It’s called dumpster diving. You should try it! Time for my first appointment. I am escorted to the student support office where I help the Middle School counselor, Dr. Melanie Gregg. I’ve already learned so much about being a good listener. You get REALLY CLOSE to the person talking and lie on top of them. Once comfortably positioned, you dose off. The louder you snore, the more comfortable you make people. Dr. Gregg’s listening skills could use some improvement if you ask me. She smiles and nods and asks questions and stays awake the WHOLE TIME. I try not to be too hard on her. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and she’s like 150 years old in dog years.

10:40 A.M.

More snuggle time (err, listening time) with students. It’s a good thing I’m here to calm them down. Middle school life can be very stressful, especially when you forget to bring your morning snack. From what I can tell, this is a VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. It can even be deadly. My friends say they could die of starvation before lunch time. Dr. Gregg says they need to learn responsibility, but I think that’s just wrong. I mean, they could actually DIE. I am very attentive in these circumstances because I know how upsetting it is to be cheated out of a much

9:00 A.M.

deserved snack.

12:00 P.M.

12:00 p.m. My friends Ava and Emily pick me up for my midday walk and potty break. I prefer to be carried in the loud and crowded hallways but I know I’ll get a treat if I cooperate so I walk. This is usually a mistake. All the giant people surround me, their hands fly toward my face, and their voices get higher when they see me. Everyone is obsessed with me—the STRUGGLE IS REAL. Luckily, I know exactly what to do: roll on my back and play dead. It works every time (and I get some extra tummy rubs).

12:15 P.M.

12:15 p.m. After play time with my friends, I get to eat again. Yay! The vet told mom I’ve gained too much weight. I don’t know what that means but mom got irritated and told the vet to Speak Life! Then she gave me a treat for good behavior.

12:30 P.M.

I have visitors! Kids pop in to Dr. Gregg’s office all day long just to see me. She is so nice and doesn’t seem to get her feelings hurt that they like me more than her. She’ll even ask them how they are doing and before you know it, they’ve been talking for hours… I think. It’s hard to keep time when I’m sleeping.

3:35 P.M.

2:30 p.m. Hot diggity dog! A special delivery from my secret admirer. It’s true – I have a secret admirer. Doggies bones and squeaky toys with special notes addressed to me appear mysteriously. If you know who it is, will you tell her (or him?) that I love the treats but pleeeeeeeease stop sending the costumes? Mom makes me wear them to show my gratitude. You would be annoyed too if you had to go to work dressed as a sunflower. Dr. Gregg brings me back to mom’s office. We use the elevator, duh. After such a long day, I take an afternoon nap until it’s time to go home. I sleep easy knowing that I have done such a terrific job. Really, humans and dogs aren’t that different. We all just want to love and be loved on. It’s a good thing ROBS has me to

2:30 P.M.

#betheexample.