December 7, 2017 Troy Rogers, from Limestone County, Alabama, has never had kids of his own—but that doesn’t mean he […]
December 7, 2017
Troy Rogers, from Limestone County, Alabama, has never had kids of his own—but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a big family. A history teacher at Clements High School, Rogers has formed a close bond with his students.
And at home, Rogers and his wife have always had their beloved dog, Chip, to take care of.
But recently, tragedy struck. Chip went blind, and wandered away from home. They looked everywhere for him, but found no sign of him. Rogers was devastated at losing his companion of ten years.
“I was just heartbroken,” Rogers said. “I just missed him so bad and I was wondering, ‘Is he out there suffering?’”
Back at school, the students heard the story and felt for their teacher. They couldn’t bring his dog back—but maybe there was another way they could help.
So they came up with the perfect idea—and soon, they were bringing Rogers into the school’s auditorium.
“And then I saw students holding up this beautiful golden retriever puppy.”
It was for Rogers—the students had chipped in and raised hundreds of dollars to buy him a new dog!
The students even named it Clementine, after the school’s mascot. Rogers was blown away by the surprise.
“When I saw his face I teared up instantly,” said Clements High School senior Miranda Ezell.
Rogers loved his new dog—but was also struck by his students’ thoughtfulness. It reaffirmed his faith in the teens’ kindness, that they “genuinely want to do good for others.”
“I never underestimate how good teenagers are,” Rogers said. “I inherently believe in our youth.”
Now he has Clementine at his side—not just a loyal companion at home, but a reminder of the genuine love he receives at school.