Kids For Canines Meet And Greet Is Saturday

By Kendra Bobowick

Student Larissa Spies could not stop smiling. Stepping outside of St Rose School Tuesday at lunchtime, she shook hands with Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason and Assistant Animal Control Officer Matthew Schaub.

She was soon sitting between the two officers as she handed them checks on behalf of her school’s Kids For Canines effort to raise funds for both the Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) and the dog pound.

“I am thrilled, excited that kids are involved,” Ms Mason said. “Animals and kids are the best.”

As Ms Mason gripped a check for $250 raised for the pound and Mr Schaub held his corner of the $400 check headed for CAN, St Rose student council members — a large part of the campaign’s success — gathered behind Larissa as she handed over the results of contests and fundraising efforts in her school. Council advisor Beth Salaris also helped Larissa throughout the campaign.

Teachers provided pictures of pets that were then pegged to a bulletin board where students voted for the cutest pet. Two winners are dog Maggie Mae, belonging to Joe DeMaida, and cat Chandler Bind, who belongs to teacher Cortni Kemlage. Students also sold biscuits and conducted a pet raffle for goodie baskets for pets.

Campaign coordinator Amy Sullivan approached Larissa and the council students to thank them, and invite them to enjoy a day at the pound this Saturday, June 5, so the students could see the dogs and cats that will benefit from their funds, biscuits, and attention.

Ms Sullivan believes that meeting the pound animals is important for the young campaigners. “They’re our future pet owners,” she said.

Attend the Kids For Canines Celebration Day on June 5 from 10:30 am to noon at the dog pound. Donations are welcome that day. Face painting, snacks, and meet and greet the pound dogs.

Ms Sullivan plans another campaign where students can adopt stuffed animals. Recycled stuffed animals will carry rescue cards with their information, then await adoption for a donation fee. Funds will again benefit the pound.