BEACHWOOD, Ohio — On GO! we get great submissions all the time for DogGone Weather. But a recent email made us really sit up, and "beg" for more information. It was from Karen Williams, a retired Beachwood educator, who has a certified therapy dog named Rylie. Williams email detailed the 8-year-old dog's impressive work background.
"Rylie is an 8 year old Schnoodle who has been a certified therapy dog since May of 2017. She passed the Canine Good Citizen test given by the American Kennel Club in November of 2016. Then, she passed her therapy dog training/test and is a member of Therapy Dogs International (TDI)."
We found out that Rylie currently visits Mandel Jewish Day School twice a week, and Bryden Elementary School every other week. She also serves as an Ambassador for Rescue Village (Geauga Humane Society), volunteering at functions for children. You'll also find Rylie at the West Geauga Library for their Reading to Rover program. During exam time, Rylie visits local high schools and college campuses, to help ease students' stress.
Rylie may be small in stature but her accomplishments are lengthy! And it's no coincidence her resume is tied closely to education.
"She makes kids happy. When they read to her or they pet her, whatever they do with her it makes everything worthwhile for why she comes to see the children," Williams said.
We asked to follow Rylie along on recent visits to Bryden Elementary and the Mandel Jewish Day School.
For Williams, the routine is a wonderful way for her to stay connected to a treasured profession.
"I taught in Beachwood for 35 years. I retired from Beachwood and then subbed for another 10 years. So this is my way to give back to the Beachwood community."
We watched as Bryden first grader Charley Nathanson, and kindergartener Ellis Cunningham practiced their reading with Rylie.
At Mandel, students told jokes to the Schnoodle.
"What do you get when you cross a porcupine and a turtle? A slowpoke!"
Rylie is there to listen always judgement-free, but ready to reward with a trick or two! She knows many including "high-5's," to walk on two legs and more.
"They love it. The hula hoop one - that's the most favorite. They all want to try it," said Bryden Reading Specialist Sheri Weiland.
Rylie's impact extends beyond reading support. Life's stressors can disrupt the days of even our youngest learners. Rylie's calming presence offers the perfect antidote.
"We bring (stressed) students to Rylie and it's just amazing to watch how quickly it helps them to calm their bodies, calm their nerves and reset a little bit," shared Paul Bolling Mandel Jewish Day School's Guidance Counselor.
The staff and administrative support is proof that this little dog with a love for children is winning over educators, too.
"Rylie helps me do my job because she helps me. She gives me that self-confidence to help these kids read better," said Weiland.
"Her job is to make people happy," said Williams.