This article originally appeared in the Suburban Life newspaper on December 20, 2006.

Therapy dog a treat for those that meet her in school

This 5-year old Labrador-Collie-Chow mixed breed might be the envy of all dogs.  Everywhere the black, bright-eyed girl goes, someone pets her.  Lexi - full name Precious Alexa Lexi - is a therapy dog, healing and helping with her calm and affectionate demeanor and her therapy will not be denied.

 Sometimes, if you forget to pet her, she'll remind you with a gentle paw on your thigh.   "Emotionally and mentally she's a lifesaver for everybody she meets," said Sami Smith, Lexi's owner.  Smith, a Madeira resident, rescued Lexi from a shelter on Mother's Day in 2005 to fulfill her dream of working with a therapy dog.  Now Smith volunteers her time to bring Lexi to schools and hospitals to help people in need of encouragement for various reasons.

 Lexi does a lot of her work through Therapy Pets of Cincinnati, a group founded almost two years ago by West Chester resident Glenna Mockbee.   "These animals give unconditional love," Mockbee said.  Mockbee formed the organization because she saw a desire for therapy pets in area nursing homes, hospitals and other places.  The group now  has about 180 therapy pets, mostly dogs, though there are a few cats, a bird and even a rabbit.

 "They don't give a hoot what color skin you have, what religion you are or whatever.  They just look at you as someone who needs them. 

Monday, Lexi was at Madeira Elementary to help students read.  As she follows Smith down the halls, chew toy in mouth, students and teachers bighten at the sight of her and offer greetings.  Lexi stops for each one and sits briefly in case a pet is needed - though you get the feeling she probably enjoys receiving a pet as much as giving it.

Jane Pressler, a third-grade teacher whose students benefit from the therapy, said Lexi is so calm, it is easily transferred to the children, some of whom ma be reluctant to read.  "She's not judgmental," said Pressler.  "She doesn't ask them if they've read a word.  She just listens."

 When Lexi is helping the students - by laying on a blanket in between them and soaking up affection - Smith said there's one rule:  If you're not reading, you're petting Lexi.   

The children have been responding.  Pressler said one girl who was afraid of dogs no longer has a fear of them because of her time with Lexi.  Another boy, who is autistic, opened up when asked what he was thankful for at Thanksgiving.  He was thankful for Lexi.

 Those stories and others show school administrators how valuable having Lexi around has been.  "I really am appreciative that Sami has offered her time, I know it's a big time commitment," school Principal Cathy Swami said.  "I think it's made a big difference for our children."