06/10/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rebel, our beloved Community Resource Dog. 💔 There are not enough words to describe the impact that Rebel had on our campus and community.
For more than eight years, Rebel served Norfolk Aggie and the Walpole community as one of the Commonwealth's first Community Resource Dogs. Alongside Officer Hart, our School Resource Officer and the Walpole Police Department, she brought comfort during difficult times, smiles during challenging days, and unconditional love to countless students, staff, families, and community members. As the first Community Resource Dog in the Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI) Community Resource Dog program, Rebel helped pave the way for a model that has positively impacted schools and communities across Massachusetts and beyond. Through her calm presence, gentle spirit, and remarkable ability to connect with people, she demonstrated the profound difference that a well-trained community resource dog can make in the lives of others.
While her passing is a tremendous loss, Rebel's legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and the many Community Resource Dogs that will follow in her footsteps. Rebel showed us the power of compassion, connection, and unconditional support, lessons that will not be forgotten.
The Norfolk Aggie community's thoughts and deepest condolences are with Officer Tom Hart and his family as well as the Walpole Police Department.
Thank you, Rebel, for the comfort, joy, and love you shared with our community. You will be deeply missed. We hope you have endless balls to chase and countless nuggets of chicken.
