In Ossining, NY, a rescue dog named Peaches has become much more than a classroom pet. Thanks to the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum and the Kids Helping Paws club, Peaches has touched the lives of hundreds of students since her adoption in 2018. Peaches, a gentle standard poodle rescued by Animal League America, was welcomed into Roosevelt Middle School when she was just 13 weeks old. Her classroom integration wasn’t immediate — it involved extensive training, a grant to fund supplies and approval from school leadership.
Once in the classroom, however, Peaches quickly became a cornerstone of the school community. She participates in reading sessions, intervention groups and a before-school mentoring program. For many students, especially those grappling with anxiety, trauma or loss, Peaches provides a sense of calm and joy. “Students who once dreaded coming to school now arrive early, eager to spend time with her,” shared Dr. Brandon Beck, a teacher and one of the program’s champions.
Peaches’ influence didn’t stop there. Inspired by her presence, the students launched the Kids Helping Paws club, part of the Mutt-i-grees Global Ambassador Program. This student-led initiative focuses on ending animal homelessness and raising awareness of the human-animal bond. Under Peaches’ watchful eye, students have created and donated 310 DIY dog toys with help from 63 volunteers; conducted over 10 donation drives; launched a bilingual website featuring dog-related read-alouds; and partnered with local animal shelters and appeared on local news outlets.
Through these efforts, students developed essential leadership and communication skills while building community connections. “Peaches wasn’t just a classroom dog,” Dr. Beck explained. “She became a catalyst for change and a symbol of the power of empathy and teamwork.” This remarkable program, rooted in the mission of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, has inspired a new generation of leaders, proving how transformational a rescue dog can be.
Visit muttigrees.org for more information or contact us at muttigrees@animalleague.org to bring the program to your school or library.