The Red Fern
Scholarship.
Helping deserving families bring home a well-bred companion when finances stand in the way.
At Stokeshire, we believe deserving families, children, and Veterans should have access to the deep bond of a well-bred companion dog. The Red Fern Scholarship, inspired by Where the Red Fern Grows, exists to help make that possible.
As of November 2025, to families, Veterans, first responders, educators, and those in need.
Our Mission
We believe in the companionship and steady love that dogs offer. Inspired by Where the Red Fern Grows, we work to make the joy of a loyal friend accessible to more families. Our mission encourages literacy, empowers individuals to pursue their aspirations, and honors the values of hard work and determination.
Dogs have a remarkable ability to comfort and encourage the people around them. Our dedication is to make that companionship possible for as many families as we can, while preserving the ethical, purpose-driven placement standards at the heart of everything Stokeshire does.
I thought of the prayer I had said when I asked God to help me get two hound pups. I knew He had surely helped, for He had given me the heart, courage, and determination.
Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern GrowsEvery reserved puppy helps support this program. Even non-refundable deposits from changed plans contribute directly to the scholarship fund, helping other families bring home a companion of their own.
Who Qualifies
The Red Fern Scholarship was created for those who show compassion, determination, and a desire to grow through the love of a dog. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.
Each applicant is evaluated with care. Our goal is to match every deserving person with the right puppy at the right time, honoring both our mission and the dogs we raise.
What the Scholarship Is, and Isn't
Every Stokeshire puppy is raised with intention and care. This clarity preserves our standards and ensures scholarships serve those who truly need them, while giving every puppy a real path home.
Scholarship Essay Guidelines
Please read, listen to, or watch Where the Red Fern Grows. Thoughtful use of quotes or themes from the book strengthens an application. Write a 500 to 1,000 word essay on one of the topics below. Parents may assist. You may change specific details if they feel too personal.
Perseverance
Tell us how you worked hard to achieve something. What made it difficult? How did you overcome those challenges? How will caring for a dog be similar?
Resilience
Describe a time you felt lonely, afraid, or bullied, or when you befriended someone who was. How did you respond, and how could a dog support you and help you grow?
Purpose & Faith
Share what motivates you: your faith, your drive, or your sense of service. How do you find encouragement, and how do you help or inspire others?
Life with a Dog
Tell us how a puppy would improve your life. What role will your dog play, and how will the experience shape you as a person?
How does Where the Red Fern Grows connect with your experiences after service? Reflect on challenges, your path forward, and how caring for a dog could support that process.
Costs to Budget
The Red Fern Scholarship helps make bringing home a companion more accessible, but some fees and services are not covered. Please plan accordingly.
Third-party financing such as Klarna may be available at checkout. Terms, eligibility, and rates are set by the lender, not by Stokeshire. Please review the lender's terms before committing. Learn more
Eligibility & Process
Scholarship puppies are covered by Stokeshire's standard 3-Year Health and Wellness Partnership Guarantee, which applies to qualifying genetic conditions as defined in the written guarantee. Genetic health screening of parent dogs is completed prior to breeding. The guarantee does not cover routine illnesses or parasites, and no representations are made regarding temperament, size, coat type, or suitability for any specific role. Read the Health Guarantee
Awards are discretionary and made solely by Stokeshire Designer Doodles. An award may be declined, adjusted, or revoked if the program is misused or if an applicant attempts to manipulate the process. A scholarship creates no obligations beyond those in Stokeshire's standard purchase agreement, and all placement terms, including the purchase agreement, Health Guarantee, Returns and Reservation Policy, and dispute resolution provisions, apply equally to scholarship placements.
Red Fern Stories
Through the toughest challenges, one dream has kept me going: welcoming my companion, Angel, into my life. Thanks to Red Fern, this isn't just a wish; it's within reach. Angel isn't just a puppy; she's the promise of brighter days, my adventure buddy, and my reason to keep pushing forward.
U.S. Army VeteranI was so nervous for our dog's first day at school as a therapy dog. After all the time, love, and training we put into preparing him, it suddenly felt real. Watching him walk through those school doors with calm confidence, ready to share his gentle spirit and comfort, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude.
Shannon PophamIndividual outcomes vary. Any therapy, comfort, or service role a Stokeshire dog grows into reflects that family's continued professional training, evaluation, and certification after placement, and is not an outcome Stokeshire promises or provides.
Begin Your Application
If you have questions before you start, reach out. We are here to help guide you through the process.