Carol E. Kuehner left the hundreds of children she taught with solid foundations of knowledge to make their lives better.

Now, life will get better for the hundreds of lost or abandoned dogs at the Carbon County Animal Shelter, too, thanks to Kuehner, who lived in Franklin Township.The retired teacher, who died on April 30, 2015, at the age of 74, bequeathed $12,088 - 10 percent of her estate - to the shelter.The gift became public Thursday when Carbon County commissioners, who oversee the shelter, accepted the bequest."I think it's going to help tremendously. It was so kind of her to think of us, and we certainly appreciate it," said shelter director Tom Connors.The money is sorely needed."We are looking at a facility that's 20-plus years old. There are some changes that need it be made for the comfort of the dogs, and some times a donation like this what makes that possible," he said.Connors is grateful for Kuehner's bequest, and for the contributions of food, supplies and funds from others."It's amazing the amount of support we get from the community," he said. "We are truly blessed as an animal shelter to get that kind of support."The shelter cares for about 300 dogs each year.Commissioners, though saddened by Kuehner's passing, appreciate her bequest."It's unfortunate it was due to someone passing, but it will help offset some of the expenses," said Commissioners Chairman Wayne E. Nothstein.The gift, he said, would help pay for veterinary visits, spaying or neutering, and vaccines to ready dogs for adoption.Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard also said he is grateful for Kuehner's thoughtfulness. He praised Connors' efforts at the shelter."It's amazing, the animal lovers here in Carbon County. We're very thankful for the donation," he said.Kuehner, a 1958 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, retired in 1997 after 35 years of service in the Allentown School District working in Herbst and Jackson Elementary schools.She was a lifelong member of Jacob's United Church of Christ in Weissport, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday schoolShe also was an elected officer for the Carbon County Voters District of Franklin Township.