[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G00005cKecy8B9LA” g_name=”20150313-Condit-Dogs-of-Character” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

The rescued dogs visiting Condit Elementary School recently were part of an anti-bullying, empathy-based program aimed at teaching students important life lessons. Sponsored by Dogs of Character, these working dogs serve as living examples of courage, perseverance, and loyalty.

The students not only learned a valuable lesson about character but had fun interacting with the dogs, who were chosen for their calm personalities.

The organization began in Montgomery, Texas, and has grown to include California. It was founded by Joy Southard, who loves getting the dogs and students together. “Every dog has a different story, and they love this experience as much as the kids do,” she said. “This is a lesson that the students will remember for a long time.”