Click on the above image for more photos of the visit from The Bond Between.

March 12, 2025 — Grandview Middle School recently hosted a heart-warming visit from some special four-legged friends. Through a partnership with The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds), Grandview sixth graders worked on developing their persuasive writing skills by creating stories about animals who needed a “forever” home.

The Bond Between is a nonprofit organization in Minnetonka dedicated to helping animals find homes. They currently have hundreds of dogs and cats being fostered throughout Minnesota.

Carrie Openshaw, director of Community Engagement at The Bond Between, provided the students with Kennel Cards, which included detailed bios of animals that had been available for adoption the longest. The students were given the choice of writing about either a dog or a cat, using the animal’s bio to inspire their writing. Kids were asked to think creatively and think outside the box as their task was to highlight the animals’ best qualities and persuade readers to consider adopting them.

The students were deeply engaged in the assignment and felt a strong connection to the animals, making them passionate about helping these pets find homes.

As a reward for their hard work, The Bond Between brought ambassador dogs to Grandview on March 7 to celebrate the students' efforts.  It was hard to tell who enjoyed the day more – the furry friends who received pets and hugs, or the kids who received adorable snuggles and slobbery kisses.

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership in the future and feel honored to have been able to assist in any way we could,” said language arts teacher Joanna Sevre. Some students are still asking if they can write more letters about other animals available for adoption, she reported.

“We've heard great feedback from parents that their kids are asking anyone they come into contact with if they are interested in adopting the animal they were in charge of describing with the hopes of finding a forever home for their chosen friend,” added language arts teacher Bailey Duda.

“We are so grateful for this collaboration and our sixth graders are thrilled to be a part of it!” said Principal Christy Zachow.  

After The Bond Between made the connection with the sixth-grade language arts classes, the school was touched when the organization reached out again – this time to offer a puppy visit for fifth grade students, who are processing the loss of their classmate.

The visit took place on March 12 during all seven fifth grade Morning Meetings, when each class enjoyed time with warm, cuddly puppies. In a message to parents, Principal Zachow said she hoped the opportunity provided a positive and uplifting experience for students. View the slideshow from the visits.

For more information about The Bond Between, please visit their website.

Click on the image to read some of the students' persuasive essays.