Meet Professor Simon: An “Angel with Paws”

Joanne Tsamaidis, Life Enrichment Director at American House Village of Rochester, recently held a MLK Day of Service fundraiser event to benefit the Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs and it was a rousing success.

Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs (MMTD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs. They are on a mission to spread the unconditional love of “fur” therapy. MMTD, affectionately known as “Angels with Paws,” provides training, support and camaraderie for their therapy dogs and handlers. They often visit hospitals, special needs centers, senior living communities and airports.

Joanne has a few friends at MMTD who helped her set up the event. Residents enjoyed their favorite pizza and proceeds helped American House make a donation to the organization. The community was buzzing when Jane, a dog handler from MMTD, arrived with the star of the show: a 7-year-old Labradoodle named Simon.

“Simon has been an active therapy dog since he was 18 months old,” Joanne said in her appealing Australian accent. “He came and shared his gentle nature and provided joy and comfort to everyone he came across.”

Jane spoke about some of the characteristics of a therapy dog and the kinds of training they go through. One of the places Simon attended was quite significant. After the shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan, Jane and Simon went to the school every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for six months.

“After a tragedy like that, many of those teenagers didn’t want to talk about it,” Joanne said. “But they received a lot of comfort from Simon, who has a way of knowing who needs comfort without using words. The kids got really attached to Simon and started calling him Professor Simon because he has a little goatee.”

Jane shared many stories with the residents about how Simon has touched people who weren’t really looking for it. One such program was called Reluctant Readers, where Jane would read to young children who lacked confidence. The children were so at ease with Simon that they started reading to him and it was clear their nervousness was fading away for all to see.

“We had 45 people involved in our hour-and-a-half session with Jane and Simon,” Joanne said. “We have three buildings here so they visited each building. Simon would approach our residents and put his chin on their leg. It was an amazing experience for the residents because many of them had dogs in the past and really missed that interaction. Others just enjoyed the closeness and comfort Simon provided.”

It’s no wonder Simon has his own business card.

“Our residents really responded to Simon,” Joanne said. “He has a way of knowing who needs what and when. It’s incredible, really. Simon formed some real connections, especially with the men who tend not to participate as much. We look forward to having Simon back at American House.”

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. Our seniors have amazing stories that hold a wealth of wisdom. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.