Mr. Pickles: The Pet That Changed Everything
Middle school is rarely described as magical—but for one science teacher and her students, a tiny hedgehog changed everything.
Thanks to a grant from the Pets in the Classroom program, Paula Zeballos added an unlikely classroom companion to her middle school science room: a hedgehog named Mr. Pickles. What followed was a transformation in both student behavior and classroom culture that Paula never expected.
“First off, thank you, thank you for making magic possible in middle school, which, let’s be honest, is no small feat.”
From Apathy to Empathy
Middle schoolers often carry the reputation of being indifferent—but Mr. Pickles had other plans.
“Now, we all know middle schoolers are known for their deep love of apathy. Caring is so not their thing. Or so I thought.”
When Mr. Pickles first arrived, students were more hesitant than excited. “At first, my students were curious and slightly terrified,” Paula recalled. “Mr. Pickles, with his prickly charm, didn’t exactly scream ‘cuddle buddy.’” But over time, their curiosity turned into genuine care. Students began researching hedgehog care, learning his needs, and forming unexpected bonds with their new spiny classmate.
From Science to Support: The Role of Mr. Pickles
Mr. Pickles quickly grew into more than a science topic—he became an emotional anchor.
“By mid-year, Mr. Pickles had become the emotional support animal we never knew we needed. I witnessed moments that could melt even the coldest heart…”
Whether whispering their worries to him or sitting quietly by his habitat to find calm, students turned to Mr. Pickles for comfort and connection. Paula shared a favorite moment that captures just how loved he became:
“I remember one Friday afternoon, a student told me, ‘I hope you have a good weekend.’ I smiled and said, ‘Aww, thank you! You too!’ only to be met with, ‘Umm… I was talking to Mr. Pickles.’”
From Classroom Pet to Local Celebrity
Mr. Pickles wasn’t just adored—he was celebrated. His adventures made it onto the school’s social media, he joined a student on spring break, visited a Girl Scout troop, and even met the city’s alderman.
“[Mr. Pickles] is basically a local celebrity now.”
And in science class, he brought abstract concepts to life, anchoring lessons and giving students hands-on learning experiences they’ll never forget.
Why Pets in the Classroom Grants Matter
Paula’s heartfelt story is just one of thousands shared by teachers who have received support through the Pets in the Classroom grant program. These grants offer essential funding to teachers in grades pre-K through 12 across the U.S. and Canada, making it possible to introduce and maintain small animals in classrooms. As Paula writes:
“Your support helped bring not just a pet into my classroom, but a sense of joy and purpose that spread far beyond the four walls of my room.”
Since its inception, the program has issued over 263,000 grants, impacting more than 10.5 million students.
Ready to Bring a Mr. Pickles Into Your Classroom?
Whether you’re looking to inspire empathy, reduce anxiety, or bring your lessons to life, a classroom pet can do more than you imagine.
Apply for your Pets in the Classroom grant today at www.PetsintheClassroom.org.
“From the bottom of our hearts (both human and hedgehog), thank you.” —Paula Zeballos, Proud Pets in the Classroom Grant Recipient
