The first-graders at Reeths-Puffer Elementary School in Muskegon have become the unlikely heroes of the shelter dogs at Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County. It all began with the kids’ simple demand to their vice principal, Karyn Benner, to adopt a therapy dog for their school!
Karyn recalls the kids writing earnest letters to her to adopt a therapy dog as a part of a writing exercise. Karyn was so moved by the letters that she started reaching out to many organizations to find the perfect therapy dog for the kids. Her search finally ended at the Humane Society when she found Buddy, a hypoallergenic, calm and friendly dog.
Within the next few months, Buddy became an important part of the children’s lives. For the children who came from low-income homes and difficult backgrounds, Buddy was a huge support system. Karyn registered Buddy’s impact on the students and shared their story with Petco Foundation’s 2019 Holiday Wishes campaign.
The kids’ blossoming bond with their therapy dog ended up moving the hearts of the organizers and they decided to award $100,000 to the shelter where Buddy was cared for! The shelter can now afford to care for hundreds of other unfortunate dogs, all thanks to the wonderful first-graders. Let’s get the word out and help this story inspire other schools to adopt therapy dogs too!
Click the video below to watch Buddy’s story and the heart-touching moment when the prize was revealed!
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