Student documentary honors retired counseling dog

January 19, 2026

_{The Rockford community reminisces about Chillie}

Rockford — North Rockford Middle School recently said goodbye to its longtime counseling dog, Chillie, who retired in November after years of service with the district.

To give the pup a proper sendoff, the team from Beyond the Rock — Rockford High School’s award-winning, student-led broadcasting network — produced a mini documentary about Chillie and her impact on the school community.

The video features interviews with students and staff, who recall some of their favorite memories of the loving yellow lab.

This report from Beyond the Rock is presented as part of School News Network’s Student Voices series, in partnership with Rockford Public Schools.

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Riley Kelley

Riley Kelley is a reporter covering Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Rockford and Sparta school districts. An award-winning journalist, Riley spent eight years with the Ludington Daily News, reporting, copy editing, paginating and acting as editor for its weekly entertainment section. He also contributed to LDN’s sister publications, Oceana’s Herald-Journal and the White Lake Beacon. His reporting on issues in education and government has earned accolades from the Michigan Press Association and Michigan Associated Press Media Editors.