Meet Scout: Laker Elementary’s Newest (and Furriest) Team Member
By Traci Weisenbach | Featured by Stokeshire Designer Doodles | October 30, 2025
He doesn’t speak, but his presence says it all.
He doesn’t teach math or science, but his wagging tail and gentle heart deliver lessons that go far beyond the classroom.
Scout, a Golden Mini Doodle from the Mozzi × Waldo litter, has become a beloved therapy-dog-in-training at Laker Elementary School. Each morning, he stands ready to greet students alongside his owner, Ms. Shannon Popham, a special-education teacher with a dream of bringing comfort, joy, and emotional support to her students.
The Red Fern Scholarship: A Dream in Motion
When Ms. Popham shared her vision with school administrators, they encouraged her to pursue it. That’s when she discovered the Red Fern Scholarship, an initiative by Stokeshire Designer Doodles that provides partial funding for therapy and service dogs for teachers, first responders, veterans, and others making a difference in their communities.
Through an application and interview process, Ms. Popham connected with James and Katie Stokes, the founders of Stokeshire. Together, they planned every detail—from selecting the perfect puppy to training, transportation, and long-term support. What began as a scholarship blossomed into a partnership built on shared purpose and faith.
From Wisconsin to Michigan: Scout’s Journey
Born on Christmas Day, Scout seemed destined to bring light and joy. With the help of Buchholz Transport, Inc., he made the journey from Wisconsin to Michigan, where his training began right away.
Scout started with an 11-day puppy school to learn the basics—crate training, leash manners, and potty training. He then moved on to weekly classes at Canine Bonding with Denise Simmons and advanced therapy training at Native K-9 in Caseville. Once Scout turns one, he’ll take his final certification exam to officially become a therapy dog, marking nearly a year of hard work and dedication.
A Four-Legged Friend Changing Lives
Sookie with Guardian Family - Mozzi x Waldo Sibling
Now a familiar face at Laker Elementary, Scout greets students at drop-off, visits classrooms, and offers quiet comfort to children who need a moment to reset. His calm demeanor and warm eyes provide a sense of peace to those facing anxiety or tough mornings.
“Kids are so excited to see Scout,” says Ms. Popham. “He’s one more reason for them to look forward to school.”
And the feeling is mutual—Scout eagerly dons his therapy vest each morning, his tail wagging with excitement.
Thanks to grants from Frankenmuth Credit Union and the Huron County Community Foundation, Scout’s training and care continue to thrive. From grooming sessions at Dog House Grooming Shoppe in Bad Axe to cuddles in the classroom, his days are filled with purpose and joy.
The Gift That Keeps Giving
Looking back, Ms. Popham calls Scout “the best Christmas gift I never knew I needed.”
Through Scout, her students are learning empathy, patience, and unconditional love—the very values the Red Fern Scholarship aims to spread in classrooms and communities across the country.
For the Stokeshire family, Scout is a testament to what’s possible when preparation meets purpose—and how one dog can transform the heartbeat of an entire school.