In 2022, first grade teacher Brooke Hughes had what she admits sounded a little wild at first: fostering puppies right inside her classroom. What began as a hopeful thought quickly transformed into something extraordinary — a program that’s changing young lives and saving puppies at the same time.
“What started as a ‘crazy idea’ has become something truly life-changing for everyone involved,” Hughes told The Dodo.
Hughes first began fostering puppies on her own during the pandemic. While teaching remotely, she introduced her students to her foster pups over Zoom — and even through a screen, something special happened.
“There was an immediate connection,” Hughes said. “As a first grade teacher, I wanted my students to learn empathy, responsibility and self-regulation in a meaningful, hands-on way — while also helping save these little lives.”
That spark led Hughes to reach out to local rescue organizations, and soon her classroom program — now known as Foster Tales Puppy Therapy — was born. Puppies began spending their days in Miss Hughes’ classroom, learning how to socialize before heading off to their forever homes.
But first, the students had to earn them.
“My class had to prove they were ready by showing focus, teamwork, kindness and responsibility,” Hughes said. “When I finally introduced the puppies, the squeals were unforgettable. Many of them couldn’t believe this was real — that helping ‘save puppies’ was part of school.”
Some students had never been around dogs before and were nervous at first. Over time, both kids and puppies gained confidence, independence and trust — a reflection of just how powerful the experience was for everyone involved.
To date, Miss Hughes’ class has fostered an incredible 110 puppies, every single one of whom has gone on to find a loving home. Along the way, students learned patience, empathy, emotional regulation and teamwork. Children who were once shy or struggling began to flourish with a puppy curled up in their arms.
“For the puppies, it’s just as transformative,” Hughes said. “They become confident, well-socialized and ready for adoption after spending their days surrounded by gentle love. And being able to tell adopters that they’ve been socialized with children helps them find homes quickly — the photos of them cuddled in students’ laps during reading time certainly don’t hurt either.”
One recent foster pup, Dusty, was adopted by a student’s family — turning a classroom connection into a lifelong bond. And Dusty isn’t alone.
“Several of our puppies have been adopted by families within our school community — students, teachers and staff,” Hughes said. “Seeing those relationships continue long after the school year ends is incredibly special.”
This weekend, the class is preparing to welcome three new foster puppies — Monty, Rudy and Pippa — rescued from an overcrowded shelter in Alabama through Riley Rescue. The class has also partnered with other organizations, including Sylvia’s Promise.
As Foster Tales Puppy Therapy continues to grow, Hughes hopes it will inspire others to think creatively about compassion, education and animal welfare.
And for her students, one thing is clear: school just wouldn’t be the same without puppies padding through the classroom.
