For dogs, a shelter is definitely a better option than living on the streets. It provides them with essential food, water, care, and a safe place to stay. But perhaps more importantly, it gives them hope and the chance to find a loving forever home.
Brooke Hughes and Josie’s Special Connection
Brooke Hughes, a dedicated teacher at Hanby Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware, understood this well when she chose Josie, a resident of Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, for her special classroom program. Brooke picked Josie to be the classroom puppy, helping her students grow in many ways. This decision would soon transform Josie’s life forever.
A Viral Video Changes Everything
One day, a video of Josie on a pink leash went viral. Josie was one of five puppies brought from South Carolina to Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue. Instead of spending her days confined in a kennel, Josie was fortunate to be noticed by Brooke.
Besides being a teacher, Brooke is also a passionate dog lover and the founder of Foster Tales Puppy Therapy. This program trains puppies to provide social and emotional support, primarily for schoolchildren. Josie quickly became a beloved classroom puppy, adored by the children. However, she could not have imagined how much joy one school visit would bring her, thanks to a TikTok video posted by @fostertalespt.
Source: @fostertalespt
An Unexpected Adoption
Although Brooke regularly shared videos about Josie, one particular video caught the eye of an elementary school counselor. The counselor was inspired to adopt a puppy with classroom experience to serve as an emotional support dog. Brooke was thrilled by this development.
“It was a win-win situation for Josie. Not only did she find a forever home, but she also got to continue doing what she loves,” Brooke said happily. “The counselor is going to train her to become an emotional support dog in schools.”
Source: @fostertalespt
Benefits of Classroom Puppies
Brooke began fostering puppies during the pandemic, incorporating them into her virtual classes. The results were immediate and astonishing. “Even through a screen, these puppies were making a positive impact,” Brooke noted. “I realized the wonderful benefits they could bring to our students and staff.”
Positive Impact on Mental Health
Brooke believes that puppies play a crucial role in supporting mental health. They provide comfort, companionship, and help reduce stress and anxiety among students. Puppies also aid in developing social skills and emotional intelligence. Children learn to care for and train the pups, understanding teamwork, self-regulation, and patience.
Dogs Finding Their Forever Homes
Interactions with children help dogs like Josie grow and develop. Many dogs have found their forever homes through these programs, proving the effectiveness of this approach.
Inspiring Other Teachers
Ultimately, Brooke hopes her story will inspire other teachers to harness the potential of dogs in the classroom. By rescuing a dog from a shelter, they not only perform a good deed but also help their students become compassionate individuals.
