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 Grows

We firmly believe in the profound companionship and unwavering love that dogs offer. Inspired by 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' we strive to make the joy of having a loyal friend accessible to everyone. Our mission, while inspired by the values of hard work and determination, encourages literacy and empowers individuals to surpass their aspirations. Dogs have an incredible ability to heal and uplift, making the future brighter alongside them. Our dedication is to make this possibility a reality for as many people as possible.

Furthermore, our passion lies in nurturing a love for nature and outdoor adventures that we believe can help foster healing and personal growth. Having previously directed a Children's Museum and established a Wisconsin Summer Camp centered on outdoor exploration, our commitment to these values remains unwavering. Stokeshire Designer Doodles is excited to announce our Red Fern Scholarship initiative, offering deserving individuals the chance to apply for a scholarship towards the pup of their dreams.


"We are driven by an unwavering commitment to our cause: extending a helping hand to every child, Veteran, or family by providing scholarships to assist in bringing home their beloved companion and lifelong friend."



Submission Requirements:

  • Read, listen, or watch WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS - extra credit points for reading and using quotes/themes from the book.

  • Write a 500-1000 Word Essay on one of the following topics (parents can help):

  • Feel free to change specifics, like your name or any other details that are too personal.

    • Tell us how you worked hard to achieve something. What made it difficult? How did you overcome those difficulties? How did the experience change you? What did you learn? How will taking care of a dog be similar?

    • Tell us about a time you felt lonely, afraid, or bullied or you befriended someone who was. What happened? How did you respond? How has the experience changed you? Share with us how a dog can help you overcome the negative experiences of your past and improve your future!

    • Tell us about your faith or your drive. What motivates you? How are you encouraged? How do you help and serve others?

    • Tell us about how a puppy will improve your life! What will you do with your puppy/dog? What will he/she teach you? How will it change you as a person for the better?

    • "How does WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS connect with your experiences as a Veteran? Share a 500-1000 word essay about your post-service challenges, how you conquered them, and how that journey mirrors the resilience in the book. Also, explore how caring for a dog, as depicted in the story, could aid in your healing process."

  • Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis and are given in the form of a unique code to be used during the formal checkout process and vary in amounts based on need.

  • An approved application and a scheduled interview is required .

  • Scholarships are limited by availability; we work directly with submission applicants/families to select puppies that are the best fit for them.

    • Approved Applicants will be required to place a deposit on their preferred litter, however, will remain on a separate unique unpublished waitlist. We help our SCHOLARSHIP FAMILIES find the perfect fit for them!

  • We ask Applicants to allow us to share their submissions and photographs online without the use of last names. First names can be changed too!

 
 

Stokeshire Designer Doodles' Guarantee
We promise to take care of our dogs' health. However, aside from this, we don't offer any other guarantees. We choose which dogs qualify for our program and how much support they get. We work closely with you to pick the right dog based on your needs. The number of scholarships and what they cover can vary. We aim to find the right match for you, but the outcome may be different due to personal factors. We pick dogs carefully but can't promise they will become service or therapy dogs. Their training and abilities depend on many factors out of our control. We help you find a dog, but we can't guarantee they will be suitable for specific roles. It's up to you and the trainers you choose to work with them.

ESSAY SUBMISSION