Dolly is a tiny F1B Goldendoodle with brown fur and a white stripe extending from her face to her back. She’s lovable, hyper, and energetic, and in just a few short weeks, Dolly will join the students at THS.
Students were given the opportunity to choose her name, Dolly, like Tennessee’s own Dolly Parton. This name won over others like Bristol, LeBron, Winnie, and Saylor.
Dolly will be considered a working dog. Her main job will be to provide emotional support and stress relief to students.
“We hope [she will have] a calming and a very positive effect at Tennessee High School,” said Kay Ward, the Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement for the district. She believes that the district dogs have promoted social interaction, whether it be with staff or students.
“Students are always smiling,” Ward said. “They are laughing; they are saying, ‘Is that the new dog?’”
Dolly joins Jingle and Honey as the district’s third therapy dog. Dolly and Honey share a father, a poodle named Rascal, and like him, they are intelligent and playful.
Ward has been caring for Dolly during this early stage and has noticed a family resemblance. Like Honey, Dolly is “going to dig to the bottom of the basket for a toy,” she said.
Honey and Dolly also share the benefit of being an F1B Goldendoodle, a breed known for being hypoallergenic and non-shedding—ideal for working in a school.
In two weeks, Dolly will complete her vaccinations. She will go to training at Trained Wright K9 in Abingdon and come back to Bristol on Sept. 26.
“She will be trained to heel, walk, and be well-behaved and fit into a public situation very easily,” Ward said.
Principal Kim Kirk has found a change in the student body since she’s brought Dolly around.
“I’ve found that when I have Dolly, they’re more willing to come up and they smile and they’re happy, and I just think she brings so much happiness and joy,” Kirk said.
This is a reflection of Dolly’s personality and how lovable and friendly she really is.
“She’s the life of the party,” Ward said. ”When she walks into a classroom or to an office or into the administration building, it’s just like she goes from office to office [asking] who loves me here?”
Guidance counselor Whitney Singleton will be Dolly’s handler outside of school, and she shares some of Dolly’s hobbies.
“She is a little sassy and a lot sweet,” said Singleton. “She has a great personality, she loves people, she loves playing with toys, and she likes watching TV.”
Singleton hopes Dolly will play a transformative role at THS.
“Dogs are always happy to see you, no matter how they feel,” Singleton said. “I hope that having Dolly at THS will bring all of us comfort, joy, and love.”
Dolly’s main goals are to be a daily support system and a helping hand to the staff and students. In addition to going to school every day, Dolly will make appearances at sporting events.
“She’ll be a Viking through and through, supporting our students at games, performances, and other school and community events,” Ward said. “She’s just going to be a new part of the staff at Tennessee High School, but then, again, she’s going to be a new part of the student body.”
Dolly’s 2025-26 school year upkeep is generously sponsored by Friendship Automotive Enterprises. This includes expenses such as her supplies, crates, toys, leashes, food, and even health insurance.
“We are so excited to partner with Tennessee High School on the Therapy Dog program,” said Mitch Walters from Friendship. “All 21 Friendship locations love dogs, and our mascot Tucker will look forward to working with his new best friend Dolly as often as he can.”
As a therapy dog, Dolly is a working animal, so she will need to be treated with respect and consideration when being approached by students. This includes asking the handler for permission before petting and being mindful of Dolly’s personal space.
“[Students] cannot feed Dolly,” Ward said. “We would love for Dolly to be petted, but on her back.”
Dolly is already being considered a light to others, brightening each room she walks into. They all seem to echo the sentiments of Friendship’s Walters: “Go Vikings, and welcome to the team Dolly!”
