Echols Middle School Community Mourns Loss Of Beloved Facility Intervention Dog Lolly

NORTHPORT, AL —If all dogs go to heaven, then it just gained a good one.

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Echols Middle School is mourning the loss of Lolly, the beloved facility intervention dog who spent nearly five years comforting students, teachers and staff across the school community.

In a message shared Friday, school officials announced that Lolly died Thursday after a months-long battle with cancer.

“With a broken heart, we wanted to let you know that Lolly passed away yesterday,” the school wrote. “She was a precious gift to our school and community for the past 5 years, impacting thousands of students and adults along the way.”

The school thanked supporters who rallied around Lolly during the final months of her life, saying the outpouring of love and support helped make her last semester at school special.

“We prayed from the day of diagnosis that she would make it through the school year, and she made it to the very last day of school,” the post said.

As Patch previously reported, Lolly was diagnosed earlier this year after veterinarians discovered she was internally bleeding and showing signs of carcinomatosis, with cancer cells found in her spleen and abdominal fluid.

A GoFundMe campaign launched in January to help cover Lolly’s emergency medical care and cancer treatments raised more than $11,000 from hundreds of donors.

During her time at Echols Middle School, Lolly served as a facility dog focused on helping students reduce anxiety, encouraging inclusion and participation, and providing emotional comfort to children and staff members alike.

School leaders previously said she had impacted “thousands of students and teachers” during her years on campus.

Following her diagnosis, Lolly continued attending school while undergoing treatment, with caregivers noting that she maintained her calm and affectionate demeanor throughout the process.

“Thank you for loving our Lolly girl and being with us through this amazing adventure,” the school wrote in its farewell message. “Job well done Lolly.”

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