Madera Safety Officer Publishes Therapy Dog Book
Tony Dominguez authored a children's book inspired by his work with a certified therapy dog in local schools.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dogs
Live Poll
Do you believe therapy animals in schools are an effective tool for helping children manage emotions?
In 2026, Madera Unified School District lead safety officer Tony Dominguez published a children's book titled Roe the Therapy Dog and the Big Feelings Day. The book aims to provide students with an emotional resource when the therapy dog is not physically present.
Why it matters
The book serves as a tool for students to manage complex emotions, extending the calming influence of therapy dogs beyond their time in the classroom.
The book was written over a period of 6 to 8 months through a process of trial and error. It is currently available for purchase through Amazon.
The players
Tony Dominguez
He is a lead safety officer for the Madera Unified School District who authored a children's book about his therapy dog.
Roe
This certified therapy dog has worked alongside its handler to provide support to students within the school district.
The details
The narrative centers on a character named Izzy who struggles with emotions, serving as a companion to the real-life work of Roe, a certified therapy dog. Dominguez reads the story to students while the dog sits by his side in Madera classrooms.
Timeline
2024 to 2026: The therapy dog and handler supported district students for two years.
2026: Tony Dominguez wrote and published the children's book.
Culture Shift
This project reflects the broader societal shift toward utilizing animal-assisted therapy as a formal component of school safety and student wellness programs. It signals a move toward normalizing mental health resources within educational settings through creative storytelling.
Parents and students within the Madera Unified School District can now access the book as a supplemental tool for emotional regulation at home. The availability of this resource provides families with a consistent way to reinforce the calming lessons taught by the therapy dog.
The takeaway
Using literature to bridge the gap during time away from therapy animals can help children process difficult feelings independently. Parents may consider incorporating similar themed reading to build upon lessons learned during school-based therapy sessions.
Further reading
For more on how canine companions are utilized in the community, see our coverage of Dogs.
More information
You can purchase the book via the Amazon purchase page for the book.
Live Poll
Do you believe therapy animals in schools are an effective tool for helping children manage emotions?
