There’s nothing like a snuggle from your kiddo’s furry BFF, but if Fido can’t visit your child IRL, they can still get the uplifting effect only a canine companion can bring—through the American Kennel Club’s new PupPals program.

The recently launched program gives children who are suffering from an illness, have a parent who recently deployed, are experiencing a loss or are experiencing another life challenge a little life lift. So how does the AKC PupPals program work?

photo: Josh Sorenson via Pexels

Dog owners submit a pic and info about their dog via an online form. AKC Public Education will then use the information to make a card to send to a child a need. The cards include a photo, facts about the breed and a personalized letter.

Meredith Saraceno, Public Education Manager, said in a press release, “AKC Public Education is always seeking ways to highlight the importance of the human-canine bond and bring communities together. The AKC PupPals Program is another way to accomplish that and we look forward to providing children with the comfort of a canine friend.”

If you want to participate in the program, as a pet owner or the parent of a child who needs a PupPal, visit the AKC’s website here.

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES

Here’s the Science Behind Why Kids Totally Need a Pet

The Best Pets for Kids If You Don’t Want a Dog or Cat

Cute Alert! 25 Times Kids & Their Pets Could Be Twins

 

Advertisement
phone-icon-vector
Your daily dose of joy and connection
Get the Tinybeans app