Students at Challenged Child and Friends in Gainesville had an extra special teacher stop in on Thursday.

"Puppy!" the students exclaimed as they rushed toward the chocolate, brown lab mix puppy that was waiting in a classroom with a volunteer from the Humane Society of Hall County.

The puppy was on hand to give the kids a little animal therapy.

"The kids really enjoy animal therapy time," said Renee Hilley, Challenged Child education director. "They get to have fun, but it’s also a learning opportunity. They get to play with the animal and also learn the proper way to interact with other animals.

"Most of our developmentally delayed students are still learning social skills, so this gives them an opportunity to practice their skills and to also learn compassion for animals and people."

Although this isn’t the first time that the Humane Society has brought in animals from the shelter to the school, this visit was unique.

"We have a great relationship with the Humane Society; they always bring in animals for our kids. This visit was different because this time our kids were able to give something back to the shelter," said Lee Highsmith, Challenged Child director of development.

"We asked our kids to bring in items from the Humane Society’s wish list. We picked things from all price points so that everyone could participate. We asked the kids to bring in things like old newspapers, old towels and pet food."

Highsmith says that the cooperative work between the two organizations has blossomed partly because of a challenge issued by the United Way of Hall County. The United Way wants its partner agencies to work together more often and embody its campaign theme "Live United."

"Our goal this year is one of action. We want our partnering agencies to be proactive about getting more involved in the community," said Carol Williams, United Way of Hall County senior vice president of community impact.

At a time when many organizations don’t have money to spare, the United Way is asking its agencies to donate time to help each other.

"Everyone is participating in their own unique way," Williams said. "For instance, the executive directors from a lot of our agencies are getting together and are going to go read to children in (a local summer reading program)."

Kelley Uber-Sterner, the Humane Society’s volunteer and education coordinator, said the donation made by the little helpers at the school will be a big help at the shelter.

"We rely a lot on donations and volunteers. We’re always looking for both," Uber-Sterner said. "Whenever we go out into the community and conduct programs, we always ask for donations, especially with the educational programs because they are free. Donations aren’t required, but they are greatly appreciated, so having the students collect these items is great."