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Chattanooga Valley's Zorro's Dog-Gone Good Teacher

By David Carroll
dcarroll@wrcbtv.com

FLINTSTONE, Ga. (WRCB)- Chattanooga Valley Elementary School counselor Jose Jimenez takes a very special friend to and from school each day: the school's "facility dog" Zorro.

Zorro is a 2-year-old yellow Lab, trained by Canine Companions for Independence in Florida to help people with disabilities.  Zorro understands some fifty commands, and is well suited for his tasks at CVES: to listen patiently while children read, to soothe children who are angry or sad, and to set a good example with his listening skills and work ethic.

Jimenez says, "I tell the children to watch as Zorro always looks me in the eye when I call his name, and how he only has to be told to do something once, never twice.  It's a good lesson for them to learn that if they don't listen to their teacher, they will miss some instruction."

Zorro didn't come easily.  The school had to make an application for a facility dog, facing steep competition from around the nation.  Jimenez had to pass an interview process, proving that he would train, groom and care for Zorro 24/7.  At the end of an eight-year period, Zorro retires from active school duty, but will remain with Jimenez.

Teachers say every school needs a "Zorro."  "He's added so much to our school," according to 2nd grade teacher Gwen Smith.  "He's not a distraction at all.  Spending time with Zorro is like a reward for these children."

Jimenez says children write stories about Zorro, and then enjoy reading them to him.  He listens patiently, never appearing distracted, even when surrounded by a group of kids.  Jimenez says when children are sent to the counselor's office in a sad mood, Zorro can turn them around.  "They come in here crying, maybe they've been in a fight, or things aren't going well at home.  Zorro sniffs their face, licks them a little bit, and they just light up.  Five minutes later, they're anxious to go back to class."

Jimenez hopes the Canine Companions for Independence program will continue to be supported by donations so that more schools can accomodate a facility dog.  The website is www.cci.org.

Principal Jennifer Genter says, "Zorro has made a huge difference in these children.  He can relax them, reward them, even inspire them.  We have students who are writing original poems about Zorro.  And of course, he listens to every word."