MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) — A beloved therapy dog in Madera Unified School District is helping students learn about emotions both in person and through the pages of a new children’s book.
Roe may be small, but students across the district know her well. With her signature blue mohawk, rhinestone collar and friendly demeanor, the certified therapy dog has become a familiar face on school campuses.
Whether she’s visiting classrooms, supporting students with special needs or simply offering comfort, Roe and her handler, Madera Unified Lead Safety Officer Tony Dominguez, have spent the past two years helping students feel safe and supported.
The idea for a book came during Read Across America Week, while Dominguez was reading to students.
“I thought to myself, you know what? It might be a good idea to have my own book to read to the kids, and they can actually have something that they can hold on to in class, and when Roe’s not here visiting them,” -Tony Dominguez
Inspired by those interactions, Dominguez spent six to eight months writing and publishing “Roe the Therapy Dog and the Big Feelings Day”.
The children’s book follows a student named Izzy, named after Dominguez’s daughter, who is struggling through a difficult day at school. When Roe arrives in the classroom, she provides a calming presence that helps Izzy work through those emotions.
“What I’m hoping is that students and parents hopefully can take from the story is that it’s okay to have certain feelings throughout the day,” Dominguez said.
The message aligns closely with the work Roe does throughout the district, helping students recognize, process and discuss their emotions in healthy ways.
Second-grade teacher Melinda Melton said the connection students have with Roe and Dominguez is easy to see.
“Kids all love him, and he’s just got a very calm presence and a very welcoming one. He’s not intimidating to them at all.” -Melinda Melton, Second-grade teacher
He said writing the book involved plenty of trial and error, but seeing the finished product in students’ hands has made the effort worthwhile. Since its release, the book has been available for purchase through Amazon.
“I think it’s rewarding at the end to see your product on paper and to leave something behind that, even when she’s done and she’s not a therapy dog anymore,” Dominguez said. “They’ll still have the book and be able to remember her.”
The project has already inspired future plans. Dominguez said he is currently working on a second Roe book and hopes to eventually turn the character’s adventures into a series focused on helping children navigate challenges and emotions.
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