June 6, 2014 - Man's Best Motorcycle Friend: MMI-Orlando Inducts Graduate's Therapy Dog into the "Paws of Fame"

Zoey accepts the “Paws of Fame” award at a recent MMI-Orlando graduation. (from left) MMI graduate Paul Aragon, Zoey, former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings and Mike Coburn, employment services director at MMI-Orlando.

For MMI-Orlando graduate Paul Aragon, motorcycle technician school has been a smooth ride – especially because a three-year-old pit-bull mix dog named Zoey was able to attend classes with him. Zoey, a therapy dog, served as a needed companion to the retired U.S. Army sergeant at the school, helping him deal with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after Aragon served three tours in Iraq.

Former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings honored the dynamic duo and gave an inspiring commencement speech at the MMI-Orlando Harley-Davidson graduation ceremony. Demings, a motorcycle enthusiast who rides her 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King on weekends, expressed her love of the road and congratulatory sentiments to all 29 graduates. She presented a special “Paws of Fame” award to Zoey for her service to Paul.

“A partner is somebody who has your back no matter what,” said Demings. “And because of that reason I hereby induct Zoey into the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute’s ‘Paws of Fame’ and present this award in her honor.”

Donning a doggie graduation cap and gown, Zoey proudly accepted the award with Aragon. In addition to the ‘Paws of Fame’ certificate, Mike Coburn, employment services director at MMI-Orlando, presented the school’s four-legged friend with a tire-chew toy along with her favorite dog treats.

Numerous media attended the graduation, including WESH (local NBC affiliate), WMFE 90.7 radio, WKMG (local CBS affiliate) and the Orlando Sentinel – all ran fitting tributes to “man’s best motorcycle friend.”

“We’re proud to support Paul and want all of our students to know that we care and are here to help them succeed,” said Tiffany Johnson, student services director at UTI-Orlando. “Paul had Zoey when he started here two years ago, and he has really benefitted from her service.”

Approximately 20 percent of UTI students are veterans and the school has various programs that support them.

As for Aragon’s future, he is ready to get to work as a Harley-Davidson technician in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. He is hopeful because he already has a job interview lined up.

“I’m ready to move on and excited about my future,” said Aragon. “And so is Zoey – she’ll be right there with me.”

Aragon’s long-term plans are to work in a Harley-Davidson dealership and gain experience and eventually work as an MMI instructor. He’ll be in good company because nearly 50 percent of MMI-Orlando instructors are also MMI graduates.