Buddy is a blessing in more ways than one!

Back in 2018, first-graders at Reeths-Puffer Elementary School in Muskegon, Michigan, conducted a writing exercise in which they wrote letters to their principal explaining how a therapy dog would benefit them. The letters were so well written that vice principal Karyn Benner began visiting local shelters to find a dog fit for the job. When she met Buddy at the Humane Society of Muskegon County, she knew he'd be a perfect fit.

Since 40% of her students come from low-income households or troubled backgrounds, Buddy has become an important member of the school's support team. "We have some highly aggressive students," said Benner. "Sometimes their behaviors escalate, but when Buddy comes in, the students just melt in a matter of minutes." Buddy's impact on the school inspired Benner to share her story with Petco Foundation's 2019 Holiday Wishes Grant Campaign. As a thank-you for the shelter's efforts, Petco surprised the Humane Society with a gift of $100,000. So Buddy is a blessing in more ways than one.