Meandering Around Town #25: Dog Patrol
An Adventure In Which A Former Mayor Continues To Seek The “Soul” Of His Hometown
One could rightfully say that my contribution to this month’s magazine has “gone to the dogs.” Since this issue presents itself as the annual canine edition, my most recent ramble consisted of a visitation with the very special Miami-Dade County Public Schools “K-9 Therapy Unit” that lends its assistance in support of student welfare (our children and grandchildren) throughout the county.
From Top Left To Right: Officer Angel Morales & K9 Struz Officer Amy Scotti & K9 Goofy Officer Janice Herring & K9 Rogue Officer Peter Aguirre & K9 Mayo Officer Samantha Liedel & K9 Amber
As Officer Angel Morales sums it up: “From easing anxiety to simply bringing moments of joy, our presence helps create a safe and supportive atmosphere across school campuses.”
Officer Janice Herring adds: “I truly love the work we do – seeing the smiles we create and the positive impact we make is what inspires me every day.”
Officer Amy Scotti provides this thoughtful comment: “Being a K-9 handler has shown me just how powerful a dog’s presence can be. Whether we’re visiting students at Gables Prep, Gables High, Little Carver, West Lab, Sunset, Ponce Middle, ISPA, or any of the many schools we serve across Miami-Dade County, our goal is the same: to bring comfort, reduce stress, and build meaningful connections. These dogs have a way of opening hearts and starting conversations that might not happen otherwise.”
Officer Scotti provides an example of the kind of encounters the officers face every day – this one from the start of the school year: “A freshman who was well-loved passed away two weeks before school started. A lot of the students at the school were afraid and nervous to come in and speak with the crisis team and start sharing their grief. Goofy was able to bridge that gap.
They saw him in the media center, initially came in just to pet him, and ended up staying and sharing with the group. They ended up leaving so much ‘lighter’ than they were when they walked in.
The School Board’s Chief of Police Ivan Silva sums it up with this observation: “When you come home, who’s always happy to see you? Your dog. With our Emotional Support/Comfort K-9 Team, we aim to bring that same sense of comfort, connection, and unconditional support to the students and staff of your public school system.”
Many people are distressed for the lack of “positive news” that we are provided by the media in today’s society. Well, if you feel that way, I hope you’ve found some positivity in this article. As my dear, departed friend Ralph Renick would close his newscasts by saying: “May the good news be yours.”
This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. For suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, email to: donslesnick@scllp.com.