Newtown Middle School student Laura Augenbraun, daughter of Deborah and David Augenbraun of Sandy Hook, recently decided to raise awareness and money for Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs. The decision was for her social service community project, something each seventh grade student at B’nai Israel Religious School in Southbury performs in preparation for becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, “son/daughter of the commandments.” 

A Sandy Hook resident, Laura knew first hand how the Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs provided comfort and security to her and so many others following 12/14. She worked with Ann Marie Cioffi to arrange for seven Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs and their handlers to visit B’nai Israel Religious School on Sunday, March 22.

The group visited every class at B’nai Israel Religious school, explaining the role of the dogs and allowing the children to interact with them.

Laura additionally held a “Bake and Bark” sale on March 22 and March 24, during which times she sold homemade baked goods and doggies biscuits as well as raffle tickets.

Ms Cioffi said she and the others who visited the Southbury school told administrators later that they had been “so graciously welcomed into your school by Laura, and the teachers and students as well. Laura was a pure joy to be around... she is such a special young girl. And we are deeply grateful for Laura’s fundraising efforts for our organization.”

Laura has collected roughly $200 to donate to the Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs. She plans to present the group with the donation after Saturday, May 9.

Further contributions to Laura’s efforts before or after May 9 can also be sent by mailing checks payable to Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs to Laura Augenbraun, B’nai Israel Religious School, PO Box 350, Southbury CT  06488.