Your Neighbor: Ann Kale

Neighborhood: Peridia
Neighbor since: 1997

Ann Kale’s dog, Regis, lived to see his owner become the oldest graduate of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee in 2007.

It was a fitting moment, shared by two personalities linked by the lives they’ve touched.

Alone after her husband died in 2000, Kale, 86, turned to substitute teaching and bought Regis, a West Highland terrier, to be her sidekick.

She trained Regis to be a therapy dog for Manatee County Schools. He served there since 2003, until he died in February.

Every Wednesday, Regis would listen to students read inside Kale’s Reading Cottage in the media center of Rowlett Magnet Elementary.

Inside the pink hut, similar in appearance to a gingerbread house, students would shake Regis’ paw after reading and give him a small treat.

Kale would respond for Regis, giving each child a cookie and a hug.

Together, Kale and Regis read to classrooms during literacy weeks, book fairs, art fests and fundraisers.
Regis inspired Kale to write. Her fifth book, a children’s book, details their bond.

It’s called “Regis the Wonder Dog.”

IN HER OWN WORDS:
On why she decided to get her bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee at age 80, becoming the school’s oldest graduate:

“Someone once told me, ‘Gee, you will be 80 years old by the time you graduate.’ I responded, ‘Yeah, but I will be 80 years old anyway if I don’t do it. My age won’t change.’”

On the award she gives every year to a Rowlett Elementary fifth-grader, called Mrs. Kale’s Turnaround Award.

“It’s for students who show courage in overcoming obstacles and grow both academically and with their behavior. It’s amazing to see the kid’s smile.”