A Therapy Dog for the Classroom: How One Educator is Changing Lives
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we are passionate about the role that dogs play in bringing comfort, support, and connection to those who need it most. While many of our puppies go to loving homes as family companions, some are chosen for an even greater mission—providing emotional and therapeutic support in schools and community spaces.
One of the most inspiring applications we’ve received for the Red Fern Scholarship comes from a dedicated educator in a rural Michigan school. With a background in fostering children and a commitment to serving students in need, this teacher has a dream of bringing a therapy dog into the classroom to provide emotional stability, companionship, and support for students who may be struggling.
The Power of a Therapy Dog in Schools
For many children, school is not just a place of learning but also a place of refuge. Studies have shown that therapy dogs help reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and improve literacy by offering a nonjudgmental, calming presence. In classrooms across the country, therapy dogs serve as reading buddies, emotional support companions, and even motivation for students to work through their struggles.
This educator works in a district where more than half of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and many face significant challenges outside of school. A therapy dog would provide them with a sense of security, helping students manage emotions, develop empathy, and build social skills in a way that traditional support systems may not always be able to.
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we believe that dogs are more than just pets—they are companions, teachers, and healers. One of our recent Red Fern Scholarship recipients, a dedicated educator from a rural Michigan school, embodies this belief. With over 51% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, many of these children face daily challenges that impact their emotional well-being. A therapy dog in their school would provide stability, comfort, and companionship, helping students develop key life skills such as empathy and resilience.
Lessons from Where the Red Fern Grows
Much like Billy Coleman in Where the Red Fern Grows, children can learn valuable lessons through the bond with a dog. As Billy cared for his beloved hounds, he discovered responsibility, perseverance, and the power of unconditional love—lessons that extend far beyond the pages of a book.
"It's strange indeed how memories can lie dormant in a man's mind for so many years. Yet those memories can be awakened and brought forth fresh and new, just by something you've seen or something you've heard." — Wilson Rawls
For students in this school, a therapy dog can awaken a sense of belonging, comfort, and trust. Whether it’s serving as a reading buddy for struggling students, offering emotional support, or helping children build confidence, this pup will become an anchor of stability in their school community.
Choosing the Right Puppy for Therapy Work
Not every puppy is suited for therapy work, which is why we carefully assess temperament, personality, and social adaptability through structured evaluations. The ideal therapy dog is:
Gentle and patient with children
Calm in different environments
Responsive to training and highly social
Intuitive to human emotions and needs
For this school, the perfect puppy will be one that is affectionate, intelligent, and naturally drawn to comforting those around them. Once selected, this puppy will begin its journey with professional training to ensure success in the classroom setting.
A Life-Changing Journey Begins
Through the Red Fern Scholarship, this educator’s dream is becoming a reality. This puppy will soon begin training and transition into life as a school therapy dog—providing comfort to children who need emotional support, boosting confidence in young readers, and creating a safe space for students who may not have one outside of school.
Just as Billy’s dogs were his source of strength, this therapy pup will become a source of love and stability for an entire school. Studies show that children who read to dogs develop stronger literacy skills, and those who interact with therapy dogs experience reduced stress and improved emotional regulation.
This scholarship recipient’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, perseverance, and the belief that one dog can change countless lives. We are honored to support this mission and look forward to seeing the profound impact this therapy dog will have on students in need.
We are honored to play a small part in this meaningful journey and can’t wait to see the impact this pup will have on so many young lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about how therapy dogs can serve schools, families, and communities, or if you’d like to support future scholarships, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for updates as this special pup embarks on their journey of love and service!