Foster Puppies Find Friends and Families in First Grade

Something amazing is happening in a Delaware first grade classroom. Foster puppies are attending school alongside students, and both the kids and the puppies are thriving. Teacher Brooke Hughes started the Foster Tales Puppy Therapy Program this year with incredible results.

18 Puppies Find Forever Homes

The first graders in Miss Hughes' class have helped socialize and adopt out 18 puppies so far. These lucky pups went from shelters to loving homes thanks to their time in the classroom.

Bringing puppies to school does more than just make the day more fun. Students are more excited to come to class when puppy friends are waiting. They also learn important lessons about being kind and gentle with animals.

Puppies Make Perfect Reading Partners

One of the biggest wins has been for reading skills. The puppies serve as perfect, non-judgmental reading buddies for the children. Miss Hughes noticed that even students who normally don't want to read are eager to share stories with their furry friends.

"Even my most reluctant readers can't wait to read to a curled-up puppy," she explains.

Making the Program Happen

Starting the program wasn't easy. Miss Hughes had to convince school administrators to allow puppies in the classroom. Now that everyone has seen the benefits, she hopes other schools will try similar programs.

Daily Puppy Schedule

After spending the day helping students learn and grow, the puppies go home with Miss Hughes each afternoon. They rest and recharge for another school day. Most puppies stay with the class for about two weeks before finding their permanent homes.

This program truly benefits everyone involved. Shelter puppies find loving families, and young students gain confidence and compassion. It's exactly the kind of win-win that makes school a happier place for everyone.