Except for a small title arising from the person whose proper name anchors it, the title should not surprise. Seven-year-old Podenca bitch Simona lost her right front leg, and the fact that a doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Oviedo is involved raises questions and curiosity.
On the same morning of reading, a headline in the Society section of La Nueva España caught the eye: “Simona, the dog who sacrificed a leg to survive and would be part of a thesis.” The journalist responsible explained that the dog, trapped by a hunter, bit her limb to stay alive, and her stubborn resilience was boosted by a wish to protect the offspring she hoped to bear, likely because she was pregnant.
Rescued by her savior, Marga, the dog was taken to a veterinarian for urgent surgery. The woman saved her life, at the cost of losing the litter and the right front leg. This happened several years ago in Chiclana, Cádiz. Marga shared a photo of Simona online, and friends from Oviedo, Noemi and Fran, offered to help find a loving home for her. They learned that Simona was missing a leg, a detail not obvious in the photo, and decided that this would not deter adoption. The friends traveled from Oviedo to Chiclana to welcome her into a family already caring for five dogs.
Readers might wonder why Simona appears in the doctoral events. A brief explanation follows. Beatriz Cimadevilla Alonso, a PhD student, presented a project titled “A new philosophy of education: animal empathy.” In collaboration with Noemi Rodriguez, the dog’s caretaker and a member of the court, she believed Simona’s presence at the university ceremony would serve as a powerful symbol.
In the opening remarks, the presiding judge spoke of Simona, noting that the non-human animal embodies the suffering of all animals in our world, which is also her home, and can represent their plight.
Simona attended the ceremony with a calm demeanor, creating an empathetic, tranquil atmosphere that drew the attention and affection of everyone present.
The thesis idea had formed years earlier, growing through readings, reflections, and experiences, and it was compiled into a manuscript of nearly four hundred pages, with more than sixty pages of bibliographic references used in the final report.
The dedication is meaningful: “This thesis is dedicated to all suffering non-human animals and to the non-human animal siblings who are a quiet part of my world.” The author adds, “You are among those who give my life meaning.”
Beatriz, representing Arts, Law, Philosophy, Ethics, Politics, and Pedagogy, delivered a rich, passionate discourse that speaks to the minds of readers while aiming to touch the hearts of listeners who hear her explanation.
The author argues for theses that contribute to societal development. She is wary of routine, superficial exercises aimed only at obtaining a degree, preferring topics that effect real change, even if some subjects appear merely respectable. The transformation of people and societies matters more than titles.
There is a lesson from a court member who once asked a doctoral candidate about the practical value of years of careful work. The reply from the candidate was simple: not at all.
The core aim of the discussion was to explore why mistreatment of non-human beings should be avoided in experiments, entertainment, or whim, and, above all, how to evoke and nurture empathy for all animals. The school curriculum should reflect this.
According to the author, empathetic teaching must be cultivated because no one can give what they do not possess. The message rings clear: the tone and character of a person reach the ears of children and students with force, shaping what they hear.
A friend of the author’s daughter once received a note from school about a child stepping on and crushing a lizard on the playground. The father, a collector with a museum basement full of game trophies from hunting in Africa, had not been mentioned in the classroom discussion, yet the lesson lingered.
To raise moral standards, society must move beyond a view of non-human animals as mere tools or disposable things. Animals are sentient beings deserving respect and care, and unnecessary suffering should be stopped. A recent news remark from a mayor described a proposed ban on a local traditional tournament as “social terrorism” — a claim the author rejects, insisting that terror lies in reveling in an animal’s suffering.
The case did not hinge on flashy technicalities about doctoral research. The court called the work extraordinary and, following a secret ballot, awarded cum laude. One of the opening results reads: education about values concerning all living beings should start from a key principle that challenges any society that treats beings as property and builds an alternative from there.
The media covered the academic action as it began, with print and television reporting the event. It was seen as a relief that education news could rise above scandal, conflict, or attack.
The traditional meal, generously offered by the doctor to the court members, took place at a vegan restaurant. Simona joined the gathering, sharing a meal with the thesis director, philosophy professor José Antonio Méndez, whose work is admired by many.
Sometimes reservations are voiced about this kind of food, yet the moment stayed respectful and constructive. Members of the court who disagreed or pressed hard could not harm the dialogue, and the doctoral candidate, who had invested significant effort and resources into completing the journey, also faced the practical costs of such a celebration. A measured conversation could have occurred in the faculty cafeteria as well.
In closing, congratulations go to the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Oviedo for hosting the thesis; to Beatriz for earning the doctorate; to José Antonio for guiding the project; to Noemi and Fran for adopting this remarkable dog; and to Simona, for modeling endurance and kindness.