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Second-graders set up lemonade stand to fund treatment for teacher's dog

"It feels really good to help dogs."
By
Chloe Bryan
 on 
Second-graders set up lemonade stand to fund treatment for teacher's dog
Credit: youtube/cbs north carolina/instagram/That_Girl_Pearl

A second-grade class's lemonade stand is making serious bank — for the best, cuddliest cause.

Jennifer Marion, a second-grade teacher in Raleigh, North Carolina, adopted rescue dog Pearl in 2015. A year later, Pearl, who had always struggled with poor health, was diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which means she lacks the digestive enzymes necessary to break down food.


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After her diagnosis, Pearl had a long stay in the ICU at North Carolina State Veterinary Hospital to regain her strength. That visit alone cost $10,000.

Marion took several days off work to watch over Pearl during her treatment. During Marion's absence, five students decided they wanted to help their teacher out.

So they opened a lemonade stand, and sold cold drinks and baked goods to raise money for Pearl's medical bills.

The stand was also decorated with sunflowers: a major key to success.

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Credit: YOUTUBE/CBS NORTH CAROLINA

The students raised a contribution of over $120 — impressive haul for a lemonade stand. (We're guessing the average lemonade stand makes, like, $10? $12?)

"It feels really good to help dogs," one of the students told a local CBS affiliate.

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Since she last left the ICU, Pearl has gained a remarkable 10 pounds, and is able to play outside in the sun. 

She also loves to ride around in her cool stroller, because why wouldn't she?


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Pearl still has around 20 pounds to go before she's up to a normal weight. But in the meantime — with the help of her her second-grader friends — she'll continue to #FightLikeAPearl.

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Topics Animals

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Chloe Bryan

Chloe was the shopping editor at Mashable. She was also previously a culture reporter. You can follow her on Twitter at @chloebryan.


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