Dogs end up in rescue centres for a whole host of reasons - and most of the time, it's through no fault of their own. Wanting to help rescue dogs secure new homes, a class of primary school children wrote letters to the dogs' future owners, explaining what they could bring to their lives.
Pupils at St Michael's Episcopal School, in Richmond, America, managed to rehome an "incredible" number of dogs at Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) thanks to their adorable letters. A spokesperson from the rescue centre said: "Shout out to Mrs Jones at St Michael's Episcopal School who created and implemented an amazing writing assignment to help our RACC shelter pets find forever homes.
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"Our director visited the class with an adoptable pup, Snow, who is the cutest puppy ever, in an effort to inspire the students to write a persuasive story from the perspective of a shelter pet waiting to be adopted.
"The result? Incredible! Heartwarming stories and beautiful illustrations now adorn our dog kennels and the writing is very persuasive."
The schoolchildren were allowed to play with Snow before starting their writing assignment - and were delighted to hear how their efforts helped other dogs secure new homes.
One letter read: "Hi my name is Yosemite. I am a boy. I like the animal shelter but it would be the best if you're looking for a pet, please, please, please take me home.
"It would really make my day if you adopted me. I love cuddles, kisses and extra love. I'm begging you, please adopt me."
Another letter read: "Hi. I'm Famous Amos. Please, please, please adopt me. I love, love, love belly rubs. I am a very cute dog.
"Don't you love my name? I am a very cute dog because I think I am. Do you love me? I hope you do because then you can adopt me. I love you too. Will you take care of me and take me home."
While some of the other letters detailed what the dogs were looking for in a home, with another saying: "Hi. I am Gale Weathers. I would like a home so much. I have a fine life here but I would like my own dog bed a lot. I would like a toy and a big yard. I would like to be the only pet in the home."
Richmond Animal and Care Control has been saving animals' lives since 1902, and supports more than 3,000 animals per year that need immediate care.
Commenting on the children's project, one supporter said: "This is so wonderful! What an incredible experience for the kids and helping these pups find homes in this way is so heartwarming."
While another added: "Looks like it may have worked! Definitely wonderful real world writing practice with a purpose for the kids. The best! Good for dogs and kids! Good job RACC!"
And a third said: "This is wonderful. It should happen more with the schools. Good for the children and adoptable pets."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
