Simon is the best boy and his mom, Sophie Vershbow, wants to make sure that he knows it. The pair reside in New York City, where Vershbow works as a social media marketer and freelance journalist, and Simon puts in work of his own—earning merit badges for his achievements in life, and for being a loving companion to his mom.
View this post on Instagram
A Hobby for Covid’s Darkest Days
Vershbow says the idea to make Simon merit badges was the result of the dog’s calming presence during the pandemic.
Simon came into her life in 2021 when Vershbow was fostering dogs through Hearts & Bones Animal Rescue, an organization that relocates pets to New York City from overcrowded shelters in Dallas, Texas.
“I was planning to adopt when the right dog came along, and the moment I saw a photo of Simon, I knew he was the one,” Vershbow tells Rover. “Adopting Simon was the best decision of my life. He’s super go-with-the-flow and is always down to go along with whatever I’m doing. Simon definitely thinks I’m his mom… and he would be right!”
As their bond grew, Vershbow found a support system in Simon, who she says is attached to her hip and her “best friend,” and she wanted to celebrate their connection in a fun and playful way.
“Embroidery was my obsessive quarantine hobby, but for a while, I felt uninspired to make anything new,” Vershbow shares. “Then, I had the idea to make Simon an emotional support badge and had so much fun that I decided to keep going.”
Simon proudly sports his emotional support dog badge. Photo Credit: Sophie Vershbow
8 Badges (and Counting)
Simon, a Basset Hound–Australian Cattle Dog mix who is estimated to be about six-years-old (based on his Embark DNA test, says Vershbow) earned his first merit badge for “outstanding achievements in emotional support.”
Since then, Simon has been awarded a total of eight merit badges for his accomplishments that include respectfully riding public transit (badge #5) and bravely facing scary thunderstorms (badge #6) to “bravery and deep reverence for the ocean” after a successful day at the beach (badge #7) and “being a gracious host” (badge #2) to a house guest. Each colorful badge is handmade by Vershbow, and embroidered onto a sash converted from an old pair of jeans.
While embroidery started out as a simple pandemic project, Simon’s merit badges have become something the pair works toward together. Typically, Simon is awarded badges when he has mastered something difficult or noteworthy, and when Vershbow is able to dedicate time to crafting the sash’s latest patch.
Some accomplishments, like Simon’s eighth badge, for “exceptional achievement in ear design,” are just for fun (because his adorable floppy ears deserve special recognition), while others celebrate notable milestones or good behavior.
Each time Simon earns a badge, Vershbow documents it on his Instagram account (@upperwestsimon). Simon (and his nearly 18K followers) seems to enjoy the praise.
View this post on Instagram
Building Character, and a Bond With Mom
Simon is consistently overcoming fears, brushing up on his manners, and trying new things. He is currently eyeing his ninth badge.
“He’s working toward a Foster Brother Badge, but needs to improve his sharing skills,” says Vershbow. “He is an ‘only dog’ because I live in a one-bedroom city apartment, but he spends a lot of time with my family’s dog, Charlotte, as well as dogs that we foster from time to time. Sharing can be difficult for Simon, but I know he has it in him.”
