At the Children’s Protection Center in Conway, healing sometimes comes on four legs. Simone, a four-year-old black Labrador, provides comfort to children who have experienced trauma, helping them feel safe and opening the door to emotional healing.
Simone, who has been on staff for just over two years, works alongside her handler, Kayla Wood. Trained to sense when children are struggling, Simone will often climb onto a couch and gently press her body against a child to provide reassurance.
“When the vest is on, she knows it’s time to go to work,” Wood said. “When the vest is off, she’s just a typical lab who loves to play.” She added that Simone brings “lots of light” to children and staff working through dark experiences.
Every child who visits the center leaves a handprint on the wall, accompanied by Simone’s paw print a symbol of the support she provides. With nearly 1,500 children expected this year, the center hopes to add a second facility dog to share the workload. Maintaining Simone’s role costs about $20,000 annually.
“It means so much to me to see the joy that she brings not only to children and families but to our team as well,” Wood said.
As International Dog Day highlights the bonds between humans and animals, Simone serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest healers walk on four legs.
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