Something special is happening at Athens Intermediate School. A wonderful addition named Zeus is advancing the mission of the system to be progressive and caring.

Zeus is a therapy dog working to improve the lives of students. He works alongside his owner, sixth-grade teacher Megan Dillard.

Zeus assists Dillard in her classroom every day. He teaches responsibility to her students. They are responsible for feeding , watering and walking Zeus.

Many children want dogs but do not have an understanding of the responsibilities associated with providing proper care. According to Dillard, Zeus’ presence in the classroom calms the anxieties of her students.

The Zeus experience is not limited to just one classroom. His effect is felt throughout AIS. Dillard uses Zeus to show students that it is okay to be different.

You see, Zeus only has three legs. When he was a puppy, he broke his leg. After complications from surgery , the doctors were forced to amputate. Dillard lovingly refers to him as “tri-pawed.” In Dillard’s opinion, this makes Zeus even more unique.

“My students that are a little different seem to relate to him a little more,” she says.

Having three legs does not stop Zeus from doing anything. The only thing he cannot do is scratch his left ear.

This amazing pup encourages students to be accepting of those that are different.

“Zeus is different, and he is rock star here,” Dillard says.

This rock star is complementing behavior plans at AIS. It is a reality that some students struggle with behavior. Zeus helps teach self-control. Students with specialized behavior plans are rewarded with time with Zeus for achieving their behavior goals.

ACS utilizes self-contained classrooms to foster enhanced support for special needs students. Zeus spends time visiting these students to provide emotional support.

He gives love to students who need that boost in their day and even promotes exercise during P.E. class. The students love to run and play with their furry friend.

Dillard is creating a plan for Zeus to help struggling readers and speech therapy students. Incredibly, Zeus loves to listen to people read.

Dillard plans to create a schedule for students that need practice reading and speaking aloud. These students will have time alone with Zeus to read to him. Studies show that when students feel like they are not being judged, their reading skills improve.

In Dillard’s words, “Who better not to judge them than a dog!”

Dogs teach us a lot of things, but none more important than to love unconditionally. Zeus is a perfect picture of this kind of love.

Dillard shared her best moment she has experienced with Zeus. Said Dillard,

“One of our self-contained students had a kind of anxiety attack in the hallway,” she says. “I took Zeus to her, and he laid down next to her. He let her pet him and love on him until she calmed down. Just by being there, her attention turned to him and helped her back to a healthy emotional state. She even let him walk her back to class!”

Moments like this are the reason why Dillard shares Zeus with others.

“He is very in tune with people’s emotions and seems to know just what to do to help,” Dillard says.

What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs. ACS is proud of the heart and commitment of Megan and Zeus.

Together they are making a difference in the lives of our students. It is “pawsitively” special.

— Hickman is over communications and strategic planning for Athens City Schools. She can be reached at Ginger.Hickman@acs-k12.org.