Brody is one of those dogs that appears unexpectedly. Like when you’re specifically looking for a lap dog and this ninety-nine-pound German Shepherd, Great Dane, Labrador mix catches your eye with a smile and swing of his tail. With a devil-may-care attitude and a greeting that could knock one down was the first encounter Principal Teri Ahearn of Shell Bank Middle School in Brooklyn had with Brody. This lovable giant had circumstances stacked against him that were beyond his control. For one he wasn’t a puppy and he wasn’t small, but a large senior black dog who had no idea what was expected of him. Rules? Behavior? Huh?!
Brody as a big black dog in an overcrowded shelter would have been a first to be euthanized. Knowing this, North Shore Animal League America came to his rescue. Due to Brody being quite handsome and unique, he was adopted quickly. Then adopted and returned four times because he was a bit too much to handle. Too strong. Too vocal. Too mischievous in his desire to play and thinking the food on the counter was there for the taking and the garbage an exceptional delight.
Principal Ahearn is a loving and patient person. Understanding and a huge accepting heart for those in need. She was not looking for a Brody, but something inside me knew to introduce them. That it would be love at first sight for both. Upon Teri and Brody’s first meeting her reaction was “I don’t think so”, but as she crept towards a “maybe” she then agreed to foster him knowing all his history she embraced him for who he was. So, there it was, Brody at what was to be his forever home due to a bit of patience, and the capacity to understand, love and even forgive. All of the things we as humans need to thrive, as well.
A few weeks of routine and building trust brought Brody to a point that he could be with people without knocking them down upon his excitement of “So happy to meet you!” Thrilled to see Brody’s progression happen rather quickly, Teri dared to dream…Shall I try school? As it turned out, Teri’s school, surrounded by kids, was the perfect place for Brody to be and thrive, bringing out the best in him. Brody became the best teacher, counselor, listener, and friend that you could imagine. Not to mention the Principal’s Pet! Brody’s story is told all the time to the kids. Because of his background and experience the teachable moments come fast and easy. Brody’s lack of control was identified by the students as “fear of the unknown”. They said, “He acted out because he felt he did not have to behave because he was going to be sent back to the shelter anyway – so why behave.”
They learned and watched as Brody began to understand Principal Ahearn was not going to give up. Brody learned to trust, and the students learned what it is to trust. Brody started to get it and so did the students. There are things expected of me. A bond of love, loyalty, and respect was built between everyone, and the students were able to verbalize these lessons, internalizing feelings and emotions through the experience.
Principal Ahearn is a loving and tolerant person. Patient and understanding. She was not looking for a Brody, but something inside me knew to
introduce them. That it would be love at first sight for both. Upon Teri and Brody’s first meeting her reaction was “I don’t think so”, but as she crept towards a “maybe” she then agreed to foster him knowing all his history she was willing to accept him for who he was. So, there it was, Brody at what was to be his forever home due to a bit of patience, and the capacity to understand, love and even forgive. All of the things we as humans need to thrive, as well.
A few weeks of routine and building trust brought Brody to a point that he could be with people without knocking them down upon his excitement of “So happy to meet you!” Thrilled to see Brody’s progression happen rather quickly, Teri dared to dream…Shall I try school? As it turned out, Teri’s school, surrounded by kids, was the perfect place for Brody to be and thrive, bringing out the best in him. Brody became the best teacher, counselor, listener, and friend that you could imagine. Not to mention the Principal’s Pet! Brody’s story is told all the time to the kids. Because of his background and experience the teachable moments come fast and easy. Brody’s lack of control was identified by the students as “fear of the unknown”. They said, “He acted out because he felt he did not have to behave because he was going to be sent back to the shelter anyway – so why behave.”
They learned and watched as Brody began to understand Principal Ahearn was not going to give up. Brody learned to trust, and the students learned what it is to trust. Brody started to get it and so did the students. There are things expected of me. A bond of love, loyalty, and respect was built between everyone, and the students were able to verbalize these lessons, internalizing feelings and emotions through the experience.
Brody was not the first at Shell Bank. He was met with trepidation by our first New York City Mutt-i-grees School Dog, Shelby. This was Shelby’s turf! Who was this new guy on her territory? The students witnessed Brody not being immediately embraced by Shelby. She did not want to play with him. She did not want him in her space, but Brody did not respond back. He respected Shelby’s wishes and stayed clear. The students learned and concluded that when you don’t replicate being mean as a response, you don’t lose respect, but gain it. You do not lose your integrity, but build it. A lesson in resilience. The students watched the process of Brody and Shelby’s relationship begin to grow with guidance and positive reinforcement. They suggested that the dogs be allowed to play outside, because sometimes your “real self” comes out when you are playing and having fun. Eventually, the dogs did indeed become inseparable friends, and the students witnessed the positive results of patience, and not giving up. They saw that just because you may not like someone when you first meet them does not mean there’s not potential to be friends once you get to know them.
Brody is a great listener. The sort of friend everyone needs. He listens to students read. He listens to their own stories. He listens to their troubles and concerns. He is a conduit for conversations and has the magical ability to cast a nonjudgmental bubble in a room for all to be safe expressing themselves. Brody makes kids and teachers want to come to school every day, so they can simply sit with him in their free moments. Brody has gained such popularity that he also makes guest appearances traveling to other schools in the district to meet with children and teach lessons about having confidence and making mistakes (how we all make them). He’s also earned prestigious TV appearances, including WNBC News and even The Rachel Ray Show!
Brody is still Brody inside, and if he sees you with a treat, like all of us, he will forget himself and go through every command he knows before he gains control to “sit.” And that leads to his lessons on mistakes and misunderstanding that students really relate to. This ability of Brody’s to elevate social emotional learning and build positive school experiences has changed the culture of the school community.
Brody was not the first not the first dog at Shell Bank. He was met with trepidation by our first New York City Mutt-i-grees School Dog, Shelby. This was Shelby’s turf! Who was this new guy on her territory? The students witnessed Brody not being immediately embraced by Shelby. She did not want to play with him. She did not want him in her space, but Brody did not respond back. He respected Shelby’s wishes and stayed clear. The students learned and concluded that when you don’t replicate being mean and lashing out as a response, you don’t lose respect, but gain it. You do not lose your integrity but build it. A lesson in resilience. The students watched the process of Brody and Shelby’s relationship begin to grow with
guidance and positive reinforcement. They suggested that the dogs be allowed to play outside, because sometimes your “real self” comes out when you are playing and having fun. Eventually, the dogs did indeed become inseparable friends, and the students witnessed the positive results of patience, and not giving up. They saw that just because you may not like someone when you first meet them does not mean there’s not potential to be friends once you get to know them.
Brody is a great listener. The sort of friend everyone needs. He listens to students read. He listens to their own stories. He listens to their troubles and concerns. He is a conduit for conversations and has the magical ability to cast a nonjudgmental bubble in a room for all to be safe expressing themselves. Brody makes kids and teachers want to come to school every day, so they can simply sit with him in their free moments. Brody has gained such popularity that he also makes guest appearances traveling to other schools in the district to meet with children and teach lessons about having confidence and making mistakes (how we all make them). He’s also earned prestigious TV appearances, including WNBC News and even The Rachel Ray Show!
Brody is still Brody inside, and if he sees you with a treat, like all of us, he will forget himself and go through every command he knows before he gains control to “sit”. And that leads to his lessons on mistakes, patience and misunderstanding that students really relate to. This ability of Brody’s to elevate social emotional learning and build positive school experiences has changed the culture of the school community.
Brody is not only an ambassador for School Dogs but an ambassador for rescue dogs. Especially for dogs with the stigma of a stereotype. He breaks all the negative barriers turning them into positive ones. He has successfully earned the trust of people who had a fear of dogs and now interact with him daily. So much so, Principal Ahearn had a half door put on her office so Brody can jump up to greet everyone that visits. Note: Principal Ahearn used to have a quiet office that students’ avoided! Now, she’s challenged with having quiet time. Brody is not only a conversation starter for existing faculty and students but faculty and students new to the school and sometimes new to the country where dogs are treated much differently. He brings people together, builds self-esteem, improves the daily life and routine, and makes people feel welcome.
Brody makes the school a family. He is truly special and certainly one of a kind. If you are lucky enough to visit Shell Bank Middle School in Brooklyn, be ready to control yourself. Because all you’re going to want to do is wrap your arms around him and give him the biggest hug ever. But you can’t. Remember he is a working teacher and can’t be disturbed.
Brody is not only an ambassador for School Dogs but an ambassador for rescue dogs. Especially for dogs with the stigma of a stereotype. He breaks all the negative barriers turning them into positive ones. He has successfully earned the trust of people who had a fear of dogs and now interact with him daily. So much so, Principal Ahearn had a half door put on her office so Brody can jump up to greet everyone that visits. Note: Principal Ahearn used to have a quiet office that students’ avoided! Now, she’s challenged with having quiet time. Brody is not only a conversation starter for existing faculty and students but faculty and students new to the school and sometimes new to the country where dogs are treated much differently. He brings people together, builds self-esteem, improves the daily life and routine, and makes people feel welcome.
Brody makes the school a family. He is truly special and certainly one of a kind. If you are lucky enough to visit Shell Bank Middle School in Brooklyn, be ready to control yourself. Because all you’re going to want to do is wrap your arms around him and give him the biggest hug ever. But you can’t. Remember he is a working teacher and can’t be disturbed.
