Hawke’s Bay teenager Jay Meeuwsen, 17, has earned praise for her inspiring achievement: writing, illustrating, and publishing a children’s book titled Jay and Soldier the Police Dog. The book, which follows Jay and her fictional police dog Soldier as they chase down bank robbers, has captured the attention of the local community and beyond.
Despite having mild cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, Jay’s passion for the police force, especially for police dogs, shines through in her work. In her book, Soldier receives a medal and a juicy bone for his bravery, symbolizing the bond and teamwork between a handler and their dog.
The book caught the eye of Hawke’s Bay police officer Gemma Hyde, who has met Jay at various events. As a result, Gemma organized a special visit to Te Wahanga Ono Rau ‘600 Block’ at Havelock North High School, where Jay attends. During the visit, Gemma and three other police officers read Jay’s book and presented her with a toy police dog, a token of appreciation for her hard work.
The visit was a memorable experience for Jay and her classmates. “I’ve never seen her happier,” said Jay’s teacher aide, Tracey Syrett. The students also had the opportunity to ask the officers questions and explore a police car, making the visit even more special.
Jay’s story is a testament to determination, creativity, and the power of community support, proving that with passion and dedication, dreams can become reality—even when facing personal challenges.