“Many of them couldn’t believe it was real — that they’d get to help ‘save puppies’ as part of school.”
Back in 2022, first-grade teacher Brooke Hughes had what she called a “wild idea.” What if her students helped foster puppies right in the classroom?
What started as a small dream has since blossomed into a one-of-a-kind program that’s changing lives — both human and canine.
“What began as a ‘crazy idea’ has grown into something truly life-changing for everyone involved,” Hughes told The Dodo.
Hughes first began fostering dogs during the pandemic. At the time, she shared her fosters virtually with her class during remote learning — and even through a screen, something magical happened.
“Even online, the connection between my students and the puppies was incredible,” she said. “As a teacher, I wanted to build a space where kids could learn empathy, responsibility, and self-regulation in a hands-on way — and also help save lives.”
That’s how Foster Tales Puppy Therapy was born. Hughes partnered with local rescues, and soon, the classroom was filled with wagging tails and happy squeals.
“My students had to earn their first puppies by showing teamwork, focus, and kindness,” Hughes said. “When I finally introduced the puppies, they were over the moon — they couldn’t believe they’d get to help ‘save puppies’ as part of school.”
Some children were initially nervous around the dogs, but those fears quickly disappeared. Before long, both the students and the puppies grew more confident — a heartwarming sign that the program benefits everyone involved.
Since the program began, Hughes’ class has fostered 110 puppies, every single one of whom has gone on to find a forever home. The children have learned patience, empathy, and teamwork, while also developing emotional awareness and communication skills.
For many students, the classroom fosters have become the highlight of their school experience.
“For the puppies, it’s equally powerful,” Hughes said. “They leave our class well-socialized, confident, and ready for adoption. And being able to tell future adopters that they’ve been around kids makes a huge difference — not to mention the adorable photos of them cuddled up during storytime.”
One of the latest foster pups, Dusty, even found his forever home with one of Hughes’ students — a bond that began in the classroom and will now last a lifetime.
“Several of our past puppies have been adopted by families connected to our school community,” Hughes added. “Seeing those connections continue beyond the classroom is so special.”
This weekend, Hughes and her students will welcome their next trio of fosters — Monty, Rudy, and Pippa, rescued from an overcrowded shelter in Alabama through Riley Rescue. The class has also partnered with other rescue groups, including Sylvia’s Promise.
Hughes hopes to keep Foster Tales Puppy Therapy running for years to come, continuing to inspire compassion in young learners while giving countless puppies a brighter future.