Every urban pup delights in off-leash park adventures, and Simon is no different.
Nevertheless, this New York dog has something uniquely charming about him. While most pups dash home to snag their beloved toys or lounge on their favorite couch spot…
Simon has a remarkable sash adorned with custom merit badges!
A Very Good Boy
Simon is what you might call a professional good boy.
Upon entering Sophie Vershbow’s home as her fifth foster dog through Hearts & Bones Rescue, he quickly became a permanent family member.
“It may sound silly, but the moment I saw his picture among the dogs coming in on the next transport from Dallas, Texas, I knew he was the one. I had just 48 hours to decide whether to foster or adopt him, but it was a straightforward choice. He fit into my life immediately,” Vershbow shared with The Dodo.
But Simon didn’t merely meld into her lifestyle… he transformed into its most adorable aspect.
His charming ears bouncing around during zoomies and his tendency to curl up at her feet while she worked brought joy to her day without fail.
However, it was his extraordinary ability to sense emotional distress that inspired Vershbow to bestow badges of honor upon him.
“Simon’s initial badge was a teardrop symbolizing ‘Outstanding Achievements in Emotional Support.’ If I even mutter ‘Crap’ under my breath, he rushes over from the other room to comfort me,” said Vershbow.
His human lovingly crafted this badge using embroidery thread, highlighting how much she valued Simon’s attentiveness.
She also fashioned a little dog sash from an old pair of jeans to give this remarkable pup the complete experience. Unsurprisingly, he adored it!
“In the video of the badge ceremony, Simon looked so proud that I thought to keep making more,” Vershbow recalled.
Fortunately, she recorded this adorably charming moment, allowing us to join in the fun:
