Honey, the sweet and spirited goldendoodle who recently joined the Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) Therapy Dog Program, is thrilled to announce her Furever Friend—United Southeast Federal Credit Union!
A Furever Friend sponsorship is the highest honor a therapy dog can receive. It represents a lifetime commitment to supporting the dog throughout their working career at a single school. Thanks to this generous sponsorship, Honey will be well supported as she brings comfort, joy, and calm to Tennessee Middle School (TMS) students and staff for years to come.
“At United Southeast Federal Credit Union, we’re proud to support programs that strengthen our community,” said Shelly Brown, president and CEO of United Southeast Federal Credit Union. “Sponsoring Honey is more than just helping one dog—it’s an investment in the emotional well-being of students and staff at Tennessee Middle School. We’re honored to be part of something so impactful.”
In January 2025, Honey joined the district's growing Therapy Dog Program alongside her furry friend Jingle. Both are F1B goldendoodles—a generation known for being even more hypoallergenic than their first-generation cousins, making them a great fit for schools.
This week marked the start of Honey’s official therapy dog training, and when she completes her certification, she’ll proudly become a full-time staff member at TMS, starting this summer.
“Thanks to the generosity of United Southeast Federal Credit Union, Honey is sure to thrive and become an integral part of the TMS community,” said Dr. Kristie Coleman, supervisor of student services for BTCS. “Therapy dogs provide a unique and powerful source of emotional support in schools. They help students regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and foster a more connected school environment. We’re deeply grateful for this lasting partnership that makes such meaningful impact possible.”
BTCS is committed to expanding the Therapy Dog Program, with a goal of placing a trained dog in every school in the district. To learn more about the opportunities to sponsor therapy dogs in schools, contact Dr. Kristie Coleman at (423) 652-9451 or go to our Therapy Dog Sponsorships page. Honey is already wagging her tail in gratitude!