Indianapolis, Indiana – Every morning, students at James Russell Lowell School 51 are greeted not just by their principal, Christine Rembert, but by a small, floppy-eared bundle of joy named MJ. At five months old, MJ—a Basset Hound with ears longer than her legs—is embarking on a mission unlike any other: exploring classrooms, meeting students, and offering comfort and companionship to anyone who needs it.
MJ, short for Michael Jane, carries a name inspired by Star Trek. She honors two iconic female captains: Michael Burnham from Discovery and Kathryn Janeway from Voyager. Her predecessor, Jean-Luc—named after The Next Generation’s Picard—once roamed the halls of School 51, but now enjoys a quieter retirement at home.
“A colleague has brought her dogs to her school for a few years now, and I got a little jealous when I saw the kiddos interact with them, so I started bringing Jean-Luc,” Rembert said. “It quickly became apparent that he’s not cut out for the role. So when the opportunity to get a basset hound puppy fell in my lap, I went to investigate. I knew she was mine from the first moment I saw her. She was the smallest of the litter, and there was just something about her that called out to me. She’s been in my heart since that moment!”
Though MJ is officially training to become a therapy dog, Rembert insists that the real learning is on her side. “I’m the one learning how to read her, to teach her, and to recognize what she’s trying to tell me. Just like our students, all behavior is communication. I’m learning to speak MJ.”
Already, MJ has captured the hearts of students and staff alike. Her signature move—a full-body belly flop at the feet of visitors—is impossible to resist, drawing laughter, pets, and a steady stream of attention. “Her ears are about twice as long as her legs,” Rembert laughed, pointing out the puppy’s comically oversized features that only add to her charm.
MJ’s presence at School 51 is about more than cute antics. Rembert envisions a wide-ranging role for her four-legged assistant. Students can read aloud to her, using her calm demeanor to practice literacy skills without fear of judgment. She offers comfort during stressful moments, co-regulation for those who need it, and simply a quiet, unconditional presence for anyone who seeks it.
“I want students to come read to her, snuggle with her when they need some comfort, breathe with her when they need some co-regulation, sit next to her when they need a break, and just love on her when they need some affection. And, adults need that, too,” Rembert said.
The excitement MJ brings has already made her a part of the school’s identity. Rembert compares her to Butler University’s iconic Butler Blue mascot, saying, “She’s already become part of our identity—like Butler University has Butler Blue. MJ is becoming a symbol of School 51.”
For students, MJ is more than a symbol. She is a constant source of joy, a patient listener, and an empathetic presence. Whether it’s a first-grader nervously sounding out words or a teacher needing a moment of calm in a hectic day, MJ is there, tail wagging, ears flopping, ready to offer her unique brand of reassurance.
The journey ahead for MJ is just beginning. With training, patience, and daily interactions with students, she is steadily learning the ropes of a therapy dog’s life, while teaching the human members of School 51 an equally important lesson: that empathy, attention, and care are communicated in many ways—including the wag of a tail.
Principal Rembert remains enthusiastic about what MJ will continue to bring to the school community. “She’s already transformed the environment here in so many small but powerful ways. Students are calmer, happier, and more engaged. MJ reminds us every day of the power of connection, even the tiniest, four-legged kind.”
As MJ explores the hallways, classrooms, and playgrounds of School 51, one thing is clear: she is not just a puppy; she is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and the boundless potential of a simple act of kindness. In the words of Rembert, live long and wag on, MJ.
