A Job Well Done: Beloved Therapy Dog Sisi Retires from Roger Bacon

For seven years, a familiar face—and wagging tail—has brought comfort and joy to the halls of Roger Bacon High School. Now, after brightening difficult days and becoming an unmistakable part of the Spartan family, Sisi is officially retiring from her role as Roger Bacon’s beloved therapy dog.

When Sisi arrived at Roger Bacon in 2019, she was just a puppy—but she quickly became much more than a four-legged co-worker. With her own staff badge, workspace and collection of toys, Sisi soon established herself as one of the most beloved members of the Roger Bacon community.

And the students noticed.

“Oh my gosh, it’s Sisi!” became a familiar refrain whenever she walked through the halls.

From the beginning, Sisi had an important job: to make Roger Bacon a happier and calmer place for its students.

Between academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, friendships and challenges outside of school, students sometimes simply need a moment to breathe. Sisi had a remarkable ability to provide exactly that.

Students stopped by to sit with her between classes. Others sought her out when they needed a break from the pressures of school. Some simply wanted to spend a few minutes on the floor playing with one of their favorite members of the Spartan family. Though often brief, those moments became an important part of the Roger Bacon experience for countless students.

Roger Bacon School Registrar Michelle Peters worked alongside Sisi in Student Services and helped care for her throughout her seven-year career.

“Sisi – How fitting to be at Roger Bacon and named after the patron saint of animals, our patron St. Francis of Assisi. Her coat even matches his!” Peters said. “Sisi has been a pleasure to work with. Being a big part of her daily care while at school has been one of the highlights of my 21 years at Roger Bacon.”

Roger Bacon students selected Sisi’s name when she arrived on campus, honoring the school’s patron, St. Francis of Assisi, and his well-known love of animals.

“She had many regular visitors during her career as a Spartan but was loved by all,” Peters said. “As she moves to retirement, her presence will be felt in the building for years to come.”

Perhaps the greatest indication of Sisi’s impact is that generations of Spartans have grown up knowing her. Students who first met Sisi as freshmen eventually became seniors who stopped to say goodbye before graduation. New classes arrived each year and quickly learned what previous generations already knew: If Sisi was nearby, you were probably having a better day.

Sisi was not simply a therapy dog who came to school each day. Her presence became woven into the fabric of Roger Bacon, and she became a beloved member of the Spartan family. More often than not, she was there simply because someone needed a few minutes with Sisi.

After seven full years of service to Roger Bacon, Sisi is officially hanging up her staff badge. In dog years, that is 49 years of service—quite a career for one very good pup.

For Brandon Spaeth ’11, who has been by Sisi’s side throughout her entire career as her primary care handler, her role at Roger Bacon has always extended beyond her official duties. At the end of the day, she returned home with him and settled back into life with the Spaeth family. Last fall, Sisi took on another important role when she welcomed her “younger brother,” Jackson, and officially became a big sister.

“Sisi has been such a blessing to the Roger Bacon family as well as my own family. She joined us at the perfect time… when our school community needed her most,” Spaeth said. “Bringing her to school and taking her home each day throughout her time at Roger Bacon has been an incredible privilege. I will be forever grateful to Roger Bacon for entrusting me with her care.”

“After 49 dog years of devoted service to Roger Bacon, I look forward to watching Sisi enjoy a well-deserved retirement. She has certainly earned it!” said Spaeth.

While her paws may no longer make their daily rounds through the halls, the memories she created will remain with the many students, faculty and staff whose lives she touched.

Thank you, Sisi, for your years of service to the Spartan family—for the comfort, smiles, stress relief, countless belly rubs and, most of all, the unconditional love you brought to Roger Bacon each day.

Thank You to Sisi’s Sponsors

Sisi’s seven years of service would not have been possible without the generous support of the local businesses and individuals who helped provide her with everything she needed to thrive.

Roger Bacon is incredibly grateful to the wonderful sponsors who took such great care of Sisi throughout her years as a Spartan:

• Veterinarian: Animal Care Center of Forest Park — Dr. Lisa Dulaney
• Groomer: The Pet Spot in Norwood — Lindsay Harris
• Nutrition: Pet Wants — Michele Hobbs

Thank you for taking such wonderful care of Sisi and helping her make a lasting impact on the Roger Bacon community.