By Andrea McBride
Staff Writer
CARO — Ms. Kennedy’s third graders at Schall Elementary are heroes for local animals.
A few months ago the students read an article in The Advertiser about Cass River Pet FriendZ’s need for donations to provide care for animals and assist owners with spaying and neutering. During class time they compiled a list of items for pets in need and began collecting them.
Students brought in toys, puppy pads, shampoo, food for cats and dogs, treats, tuna and beds. They also collected money.
The majority of the class has personally seen stray animals in need, which made them excited to do their part.
“I did it because I felt bad for the dogs … that didn’t have homes, and I always wanted to (help),” said Leah Daniels.
Alexis LaForge said it means a lot to her to help cats in the area.
“I wanted to help because if the cats didn’t get their food they could die,” LaForge said.
Greysen Chapelo spread the word about the project to his twin brother in another third grade classroom.
“My brother always wanted to help and I’ve wanted to help, and I told him all about the thing that my class was doing for Cass River Pet FriendZ,” Chapelo said.
Chapelo’s brother gave him a monetary donation to add to the classroom’s collection.
Hannah Giddings said she is thrilled to help animals get the help they deserve.
“I wanted to help because pets needed things that people couldn’t buy,” Gidding said. “I always felt bad for the animals on the commercials and I always wanted to help them.”
Cass River Pet FriendZ board member Sandy Bassett said she is thrilled to see young people making a difference.
“For us it means education about spay and neuter and why there’s way too many animals for the homes that are available,” Bassett said.
She said children have a spirit for giving that is unlike anything she has ever seen.
“We just found that kids were interested in doing the right thing,” Bassett said. “Almost every kid we came in contact with loved their dog, cat, gerbil or whatever they had, and they wanted the very best for them.”
Bassett said younger generations will make a positive impact on the way animals are treated in the future.
“I hope to end the era of the dog on the chain,” Bassett said.
The class dropped off donations once and still has more items to give to the organization. Students also said they plan to keep helping in the future.
Visit petfriendz.org to donate. Cass River Pet FriendZ is also on Facebook to help lost animals find homes.