Reeves Elementary School Visited by Ivy the Determined Dog

WOBURN — Principal Matthew Comenitz is pleased to share that Reeves Elementary School students were visited by Massachusetts native and author Maureen Harrington and her dog Ivy, the main character of her book “Ivy the Very Determined Dog.”

On March 12, Reeves students spent an hour learning from Harrington about her and Ivy’s story. 

Ivy is a French bulldog with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which causes nerve damage and paralysis in her hind legs. As a result, Ivy needs a special wheelchair to be able to move around. 

Harrington and her husband Chris created an Instagram account early into Ivy’s journey to update family and friends on her health and progress. Ivy’s page quickly turned into a source of inspiration for many, prompting the Harrington’s to turn her story into a children’s book. 

The book, titled “Ivy the Very Determined Dog” after Ivy’s IVDD, teaches resilience and confidence, encouraging kids that challenges and setbacks can make them stronger. 

The students experienced these lessons firsthand through Ivy’s visit. Students learned more about Ivy’s story through videos and interaction with Harrington and Ivy. 

To end the experience, around 40 students and staff members opted to take home “Pawtographed” books, which have Ivy’s paw stamped in them. 

Harrington had such a positive time speaking to Reeves students that she said she would love to come back and visit once her newest book, “Ivy and her Rose Bud” comes out. 

“This was an amazing experience for all involved. It is important for everyone, especially our students, to be reminded of these stories that encourage them to empathy, determination and kindness,” said Principal Comenitz. “I would like to thank our Parent Teacher Organization for covering the costs for this experience and Maureen and Ivy for visiting and bravely sharing their stories.”

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