Learn About Project PAWS-Miami
Katrina is a friend of mine from Miami Beach Senior High School. She started a new community service project called Project PAWS-Miami. Katrina helps me teach the value of kindness and I help her with her service project. We hope children who are kind to pets and people and practice the core values of character education will grow into responsible adults who do not abuse others.
Community Event
North Miami Beach Community Festival
On Sunday, April 10, 2011, the City of North Miami Beach, Florida hosted its 4th Annual Community Festival.
The fun event included live music, great food, local vendors, family fun, and (of course) the Project PAWS-Miami Awareness Table!
The fun event included live music, great food, local vendors, family fun, and (of course) the Project PAWS-Miami Awareness Table!
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A Letter from Katrina
To Our New Friends Who Visited Our Awareness Table
at the Miami Lighthouse Dog Walk
Hey guys! First
off, I'd like to thank you all so much for coming out to the Lighthouse Dog Walk and
checking out the table. I really appreciate it!
My name is Katrina Rios and I am currently a senior at Miami Beach Senior High. Next year, I will be attending Johns Hopkins University to pursue either Public Health, Neuroscience, or Behavioral Biology while continuing and expanding Project PAWS in Baltimore! I created this project because when I was younger, I felt that my passion for helping animals could take me nowhere because I was only 12 years old at the time-- too young to volunteer at the Humane Society and most other places. As I got older, I came up with the idea for Project PAWS so I could channel my passion into action and give the opportunity to other kids who wanted to become involved, whether they were in kindergarten, 12th grade, or beyond. Last year, I partnered up with Sequoia - The Teaching Dog and we go around local elementary schools teaching character education. I also go to middle and high schools to talk about animal abuse, how to prevent it, and the associated issues that come along with animal abuse (domestic violence, for example). The younger kids draw pictures of something they learned from our visit and the paintings are sold to raise money for the Humane Society's Education Department. Middle schoolers have the opportunity to volunteer at Project PAWS advocacy tables, and high school participants and adults can set up their own advocacy campaigns that relate to the Project PAWS' mission. Animal abuse also transcends beyond physicality (polluting is inadvertently hurting an animal) and the usual dog and cat (which is why there is a picture of myself, Ron Magill, and a King Cheetah on the board and on my webpage).
That's the program in a nutshell. If you'd like to request Sequoia and I to visit a school or event, please let me know! Also, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or other way you think you can help, feel free to e-mail me at any time.
My name is Katrina Rios and I am currently a senior at Miami Beach Senior High. Next year, I will be attending Johns Hopkins University to pursue either Public Health, Neuroscience, or Behavioral Biology while continuing and expanding Project PAWS in Baltimore! I created this project because when I was younger, I felt that my passion for helping animals could take me nowhere because I was only 12 years old at the time-- too young to volunteer at the Humane Society and most other places. As I got older, I came up with the idea for Project PAWS so I could channel my passion into action and give the opportunity to other kids who wanted to become involved, whether they were in kindergarten, 12th grade, or beyond. Last year, I partnered up with Sequoia - The Teaching Dog and we go around local elementary schools teaching character education. I also go to middle and high schools to talk about animal abuse, how to prevent it, and the associated issues that come along with animal abuse (domestic violence, for example). The younger kids draw pictures of something they learned from our visit and the paintings are sold to raise money for the Humane Society's Education Department. Middle schoolers have the opportunity to volunteer at Project PAWS advocacy tables, and high school participants and adults can set up their own advocacy campaigns that relate to the Project PAWS' mission. Animal abuse also transcends beyond physicality (polluting is inadvertently hurting an animal) and the usual dog and cat (which is why there is a picture of myself, Ron Magill, and a King Cheetah on the board and on my webpage).
That's the program in a nutshell. If you'd like to request Sequoia and I to visit a school or event, please let me know! Also, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or other way you think you can help, feel free to e-mail me at any time.
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Katrina with Little P and Winston (the twins)
Make a Difference
Isn't this king cheetah gorgeous!? His name is George! I was fortunate enough to meet Ron Magill, an award-winning wildlife photographer and director of Zoo Miami, at my school. It's important to remember that animal wellness transcends beyond dogs, cats, and other household pets. Preservation of wildlife is extremely important to the prosperity of our planet and everybody, no matter how young or old, can help out in some way. Magill got involved with photography to bring awareness to the majestic creatures that inhabit our land; how do you plan on making a difference?
December 8, 2010 - A Day to Remember
City of Miami Beach Commission Meeting
You can watch the video on the commission meeting website under Video Archive
Commissioner Jorge Exposito honored Katrina Rios
for her work with me and Project PAWS-Miami.
I attended the Commission Meeting too - by special invitation.
Project PAWS at Edison Park Elementary
Katrina (Her nickname is Kat.)
Susie's Law
In 2009, a three-month old puppy was left to die in a North Carolina park until she was found by a kind, appalled citizen who wanted to seek justice for the injustice done to the poor puppy. The inspiration for Susie’s Law then came about and its passing is a big step forward as far as animal cruelty accountability goes. The legislation heightens the severity of punishment for malicious animal cruelty offenders to a Class H felony as opposed to a Class A misdemeanor. This is significant because felonies result in longer jail sentences as well as higher bails which helps deter people from committing a violent act. Similar to Susie’s law, Chamberlain’s law seeks to punish those who ‘recklessly’ neglect an animal whether it was intended or not, which I feel is also a huge step in the right direction. The law would give justice to the victims of their owner’s ignorance which I feel is essential. The passing of these laws epitomizes the message Project PAWS stresses: animal advocacy and involvement. Regular people who are informed can drastically improve the lives of thousands of animals simply by getting involved. Legislation on Chamberlain’s law is still in progress and several other states need to push forth more suitable laws toward animal cruelty. You can be a catalyst for change and a pusher for the pawmise of a better future!
Project PAWS-Miami
Mission Statement
P.A.W.S. (Program for Animal Wellness and Safety)
Our goal is to inform and educate individuals on animal cruelty, prevent future incidences, and create animal wellness advocates
everywhere our program leads us.
Our goal is to inform and educate individuals on animal cruelty, prevent future incidences, and create animal wellness advocates
everywhere our program leads us.
Friends Behind the PAWS
iPrep Academy Nadjeda Cherilien Daniel Russo Katrina Rios (Project founder) Kassala Collington Nikolas Guevara |  iPrep Academy |
Friends from iPrep
Are You Ready to Make the Pawmise?
Project PAWS-Miami is not just another cause. It is a small but vibrant effort that began with one person (with a big heart) in one school, and touches the lives of pets and animals one at a time. The seed has been planted and the cause is now growing stronger by the day. Let us share a short list of frequently asked questions. Here are FAQ's For You!
Who are we? Project PAWS-Miami is a rising organization dedicated to informing and educating individuals on animal cruelty, preventing future incidences, and creating animal-wellness advocates through teaching and implementing the values associated with character education.
What is our main goal? We hope to impact the lives of animals and humans alike, for the two cycles of abuse bare a striking resemblance. Students will be informed, know how to make the right decisions regarding any kinds of abuse, and give back to their community by spreading the knowledge they have gained onto others so they can impact the lives of fellow animals and people.
What is the first step in the program? In elementary schools, Sequoia, the teaching/therapy dog, will teach the core values of character education (ex. kindness, respect, fairness, integrity) and connect them to IB Learner Traits and Early Learner themes.
What is the second step in the program? Lessons learned from these core values of character education and IB learner traits will carry on into the middle school level where students will then have the opportunity to help work on Project PAWS-Miami community-wide events. Then, once students go to high school, they will be able to create their own advocacy campaigns to be incorporated with the Project PAWS-Miami.
What are our objectives? Our objectives include assessing current student and community knowledge to know the issues that need to be covered during presentations,. This will resolve any misconceptions about animal cruelty and issues associated with it, such as domestic violence. Students will then feel empowered by having their voices heard. In the short term we will hold a few events, partner with other schools and organizations, make plans for an advocacy table on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, and begin writing a book with Sequoia. Our dream is to make Project PAWS-Miami a widely recognized name and established organization as well as have the same students Sequoia worked with in elementary continue the program as they move into middle and senior high.
"I pawmise to always love and never harm, care for and never neglect, watch and never endanger another animal in my presence and will educate people on the realities of animal cruelty.”
Do you have a story to share? Do you have questions and want to learn more? Email Project PAWS-Miami at: makeyourpawmise@gmail.com
Sequoia's Interview with Katrina
S = Sequoia
K = Katrina
S: Project PAWS-Miami is a very exciting project. What motivated you to start it?
K: I've had a passion for helping animals ever since I was a young girl watching Emergency Vets on Animal Planet. Even before then, Clifford the Big Red Dog was my favorite show! When I got my dog, Frankie, in 2005 from the Humane Society, it became clear through his behavior around certain objects that he had been abused. I knew right then I needed to do something to help other animals who are being abused but I was too young to be taken seriously. At the end of last year, when a teacher talked to me about the Silver Knight Awards, I saw the perfect opportunity to enact my ideas and have been doing so ever since.
S: What are your short term goals?
K: One of my short-term goals was to speak to middle school students about Project PAWS. I accomplished this goal this school year. I spoke to approximately six classes in the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Middle School BEAT Magnet Program. There were a total of 120 kids at JFK who learned about my program. Almost 90 of those kids wrote down their emails and wanted to participate in future events.
S: What do you have planned for next school year?
K: Right now I am focusing on planning some community events. The first one we are working on will be presented with the help of the North Miami Beach Police Department K-9 (working dogs) Unit. Our goal is to try to just spread the word about the program.
S: I hope to be able to work with you and PAWS.
K: Yes, we can work together and visit elementary school students, teaching them about character education. I know this is your mission. To tie my project to the core values of character education seems like a natural connection. I hope we can set up an awareness table on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach sometime in late November. We also hope to make a book documenting this journey.
S: What is your long-term goal?
K: I hope the well-prepared students currently in the program will become comfortable with organizing future events and advocating our goal. I wish the elementary students that we teach will move onto middle school as PAWS advocates, where they can participate in organizing the events and practicing the core values of character education.
S: What surprised you when you first presented to the students at JFK?
K: Many of the students did not know the right answers to some of the questions. I was surprised and learned that not everyone knows the same thing. For example, I asked the students if they thought domestic violence was linked with animal cruelty and some students did not even know what I meant when I said “domestic violence.” Other students didn’t know that animal cruelty was connected to domestic violence—strongly connected. I was also pleasantly surprised with the level of involvement and passion many of the students showed.
S: Where did you get the idea for the “pawmise” and what is it?
K: During the summer of 2009, I was sitting in my room with my mom going back and forth on what to name the project, what the motto would be, and other questions of the sort. She suggested I have something catchy aside from a motto, kind of like a slogan but extended. I wanted it to be a pledge of some kind so I began thinking of alternative words to make it sound more interesting and I looked at my dog sleeping on my couch and some surge of poetic thought just went throughout my body and when it got to my brain, I thought “pawmise” and went with the flow.
“I hereby pawmise to always love and never harm, care for and never neglect, watch and never endanger another animal in my presence and will educate people on the realities of animal cruelty.”
S: I am happy you are planning to join me in teaching character education next school year. Why did you decide to do this?
K: That is the age where kids are most receptive. If kids are instilled good values toward people and animals alike when they are young, they will more than likely continue those values throughout the rest of their lives. The cycle of abuse is a very hard one to get out of so if this program can keep a child out of that cycle by letting them know it is not okay to hit an animal, they will know the difference between right and wrong and will exit the cycle before they even get into it. Also, the middle school students are at the age where they are receptive to certain things that interest them and have more time to focus and act on those interests, through participating in this advocacy program for example, than many high school students who are either busy with school work and clubs or set in their ways.
S: Why are people cruel to animals?
K: There are many reasons; however, emotional distress is involved in each. People who do not know how to properly handle their emotions, whether it is anger, sadness, or disappointment, target animals to ‘release’ that feeling.
S: How do you properly release your emotions?
K: Everyone deals with their emotions in a different way; however, they have to be healthy ways. Abusing an animal is extremely unhealthy because not only is the person hurting another living creature, but the emotion is still lingering and piles up over time. Taking a deep breath, acknowledging the emotion either by talking to a friend or writing it down, and knowing that the emotion will pass soon are all effective and healthy ways to deal with emotions.
K = Katrina
S: Project PAWS-Miami is a very exciting project. What motivated you to start it?
K: I've had a passion for helping animals ever since I was a young girl watching Emergency Vets on Animal Planet. Even before then, Clifford the Big Red Dog was my favorite show! When I got my dog, Frankie, in 2005 from the Humane Society, it became clear through his behavior around certain objects that he had been abused. I knew right then I needed to do something to help other animals who are being abused but I was too young to be taken seriously. At the end of last year, when a teacher talked to me about the Silver Knight Awards, I saw the perfect opportunity to enact my ideas and have been doing so ever since.
S: What are your short term goals?
K: One of my short-term goals was to speak to middle school students about Project PAWS. I accomplished this goal this school year. I spoke to approximately six classes in the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Middle School BEAT Magnet Program. There were a total of 120 kids at JFK who learned about my program. Almost 90 of those kids wrote down their emails and wanted to participate in future events.
S: What do you have planned for next school year?
K: Right now I am focusing on planning some community events. The first one we are working on will be presented with the help of the North Miami Beach Police Department K-9 (working dogs) Unit. Our goal is to try to just spread the word about the program.
S: I hope to be able to work with you and PAWS.
K: Yes, we can work together and visit elementary school students, teaching them about character education. I know this is your mission. To tie my project to the core values of character education seems like a natural connection. I hope we can set up an awareness table on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach sometime in late November. We also hope to make a book documenting this journey.
S: What is your long-term goal?
K: I hope the well-prepared students currently in the program will become comfortable with organizing future events and advocating our goal. I wish the elementary students that we teach will move onto middle school as PAWS advocates, where they can participate in organizing the events and practicing the core values of character education.
S: What surprised you when you first presented to the students at JFK?
K: Many of the students did not know the right answers to some of the questions. I was surprised and learned that not everyone knows the same thing. For example, I asked the students if they thought domestic violence was linked with animal cruelty and some students did not even know what I meant when I said “domestic violence.” Other students didn’t know that animal cruelty was connected to domestic violence—strongly connected. I was also pleasantly surprised with the level of involvement and passion many of the students showed.
S: Where did you get the idea for the “pawmise” and what is it?
K: During the summer of 2009, I was sitting in my room with my mom going back and forth on what to name the project, what the motto would be, and other questions of the sort. She suggested I have something catchy aside from a motto, kind of like a slogan but extended. I wanted it to be a pledge of some kind so I began thinking of alternative words to make it sound more interesting and I looked at my dog sleeping on my couch and some surge of poetic thought just went throughout my body and when it got to my brain, I thought “pawmise” and went with the flow.
“I hereby pawmise to always love and never harm, care for and never neglect, watch and never endanger another animal in my presence and will educate people on the realities of animal cruelty.”
S: I am happy you are planning to join me in teaching character education next school year. Why did you decide to do this?
K: That is the age where kids are most receptive. If kids are instilled good values toward people and animals alike when they are young, they will more than likely continue those values throughout the rest of their lives. The cycle of abuse is a very hard one to get out of so if this program can keep a child out of that cycle by letting them know it is not okay to hit an animal, they will know the difference between right and wrong and will exit the cycle before they even get into it. Also, the middle school students are at the age where they are receptive to certain things that interest them and have more time to focus and act on those interests, through participating in this advocacy program for example, than many high school students who are either busy with school work and clubs or set in their ways.
S: Why are people cruel to animals?
K: There are many reasons; however, emotional distress is involved in each. People who do not know how to properly handle their emotions, whether it is anger, sadness, or disappointment, target animals to ‘release’ that feeling.
S: How do you properly release your emotions?
K: Everyone deals with their emotions in a different way; however, they have to be healthy ways. Abusing an animal is extremely unhealthy because not only is the person hurting another living creature, but the emotion is still lingering and piles up over time. Taking a deep breath, acknowledging the emotion either by talking to a friend or writing it down, and knowing that the emotion will pass soon are all effective and healthy ways to deal with emotions.
Animal Cruelty
Do You Know the Numbers?
25-100 Million Animals
More than 25 million vertebrate animals are used in testing in the United States each year—including monkeys, chimpanzees, beagles and other dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, birds, farm animals, and still other sentient beings. After the experiments conclude, many of the animals who have survived the research are killed because they are no longer needed by the research team. When invertebrate animals are considered, the estimated number rises to as high as 100 million. Conducting experiments is important but consideration needs to be given to all living creatures.
6 to 8 Million Dogs and Cats
Every year, 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters, and 3 to 4 million shelter dogs and cats are killed. This happens because the numbers keep growing and growing. Spaying and neutering our pets will help us end this problem.
80 Percent of Puppies
Most pet store puppies (and 80% of the American Kennel Club's business) come from puppy mills. Puppy mills are mass breeding operations. When more and more puppies are born with no control, many of them become ill and live in dirty conditions. Puppy mills breed between 2 and 4 million puppies each year. Please do not buy a pet from a puppy mill.
7,600 Puppies and 11,400 Young or Adult Dogs
In the year 2000, approximately 7,600 greyhound puppies that are not fast enough to race are killed. An estimated 11,400 "retired" greyhound dogs, who suffer greatly as racers, are often sold to research labs or used to breed future litters.
More than 25 million vertebrate animals are used in testing in the United States each year—including monkeys, chimpanzees, beagles and other dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, birds, farm animals, and still other sentient beings. After the experiments conclude, many of the animals who have survived the research are killed because they are no longer needed by the research team. When invertebrate animals are considered, the estimated number rises to as high as 100 million. Conducting experiments is important but consideration needs to be given to all living creatures.
6 to 8 Million Dogs and Cats
Every year, 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters, and 3 to 4 million shelter dogs and cats are killed. This happens because the numbers keep growing and growing. Spaying and neutering our pets will help us end this problem.
80 Percent of Puppies
Most pet store puppies (and 80% of the American Kennel Club's business) come from puppy mills. Puppy mills are mass breeding operations. When more and more puppies are born with no control, many of them become ill and live in dirty conditions. Puppy mills breed between 2 and 4 million puppies each year. Please do not buy a pet from a puppy mill.
7,600 Puppies and 11,400 Young or Adult Dogs
In the year 2000, approximately 7,600 greyhound puppies that are not fast enough to race are killed. An estimated 11,400 "retired" greyhound dogs, who suffer greatly as racers, are often sold to research labs or used to breed future litters.
Get to Know Our "Pawtners"
Project PAWS-Miami is working to educate the community so together we can stop animal abuse. Do you care about your community and want to help others in need? Do you want to join us in educating others?
Urban Tails - Helping to save dogs and the youth who save them
Humane Society Adopt-A-Pet of Greater Miami - Finding loving and permanent homes for each animal in their care
Email Project PAWS-MIami today - makeyourpawmise@gmail.com
Please think about your behavior and be kind to others. If you are kind and loving to all, your positive actions will help keep animals well and safe. |  |
An End of School Year Reflection
by Katrina Rios
Wow! I can't believe this year is practically over. As my high school journey is coming to an end and a new chapter in my life is beginning, I feel incredibly grateful knowing that I will carry a dearly-loved continuity with me as I go to Baltimore: Project PAWS. Several moments have stuck with me through the community events and visits I’ve done so far and I know some of them will stay with me forever.
Each morning, I wake up and stare at a star-shaped balloon with red stick on letters spelling “Katrina” next to a baking mat that says “Ms. Katrina.” Each of those were gifts from the teacher who let Sequoia and I visit her special needs class at Edison Park Elementary. When the kids each walked in, I was a bit nervous since I had never worked with special needs children before and I had no clue what they would be able to understand or enjoy but as soon as the ice was broken and the smiles started showing, I knew it would be a great visit. The kids seemed to like it but we were all quiet and calm so I didn’t really know if they did or not until the teacher pulled me aside with tears in her eyes saying, “I prayed for this to happen.” Apparently she hadn't seen many of those students exhibit such tranquil behavior in school. Something I considered as simple as staying seated on a mat was a milestone for some of those kids who are hyperactive and autistic. I went back into the class to say goodbye and the kids approached me for a hug and I was thoroughly touched. When I see the reminders of that day plastered along my wall through sleepy-eyed daze, I remember the impact I had on those children that day and nothing can spoil my mood.
AI can’t believe the year is practically over. As my high school journee all quiet and calm so I didn’t really know if they did or not until the teacher pulled me aside with tears in her eyes saying “I prayed for this to happen.” Apparently, she hadn’t seen many of those students exhibit such tranquil behavior. Something I considered as simple as staying seated on a mat was a milestone for some of those kids who are hyperactive and autistic. I went back into the class to say goodbye and the kids approached me for a hug and I was thoroughly touched. When I see the reminders of that day plastered along my wall through sleepy-eyed daze, I remember the impact I had on those children that day and nothing can spoil my mood.
Although I have no material reminder of my visit to Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior aside from a sign-in sheet, one student in that class I spoke to stood out to me. He was a special needs student my age and I found it hard to figure out how to talk to him and the rest of the class because they looked my age but I didn’t know where they were mentally. I introduced myself and he immediately said “Hi Katrina!” and remained engaged in the discussion throughout the presentation. He even danced during The Sequoia Smile Song with several other people. At the end, he came up to me for a hug and proceeded to say “You’re huggly!” which is officially my new favorite word. I didn’t see it myself, but when he walked out the door, he blew me a kiss and I think of it as one of the sweeter moments in my life.
Classroom visits aside, I’ve come across truly wonderful groups of people through advocacy events. At my first event at a Publix advocacy table, I didn’t even plan on collecting money but so many people kept offering that a dog bowl was used as a pseudo-donation bin (which looked very appropriate given the ‘pawesome’ looking table) and $44 dollars were donated that day. I was pleasantly shocked to say the least considering the current economic situation. Also, small praises such as hearing someone say “God bless you,” and things of that nature upon seeing what I’ve created, gives me an overwhelming sense of happiness and reassures me that my passion is making people stop and take the time to talk to me and find out more about the animal wellness.
I can’t anything short of I feel like I am truly and utterly blessed. So much progress has been made in developing my community project. it all began when I had the confidence in my own abilities to create this in tenth grade a couple of years ago. Project PAWS will only get better from here with the help of Sequoia’s fantastic work. The future is looking extraordinarily pawmising!
Each morning, I wake up and stare at a star-shaped balloon with red stick on letters spelling “Katrina” next to a baking mat that says “Ms. Katrina.” Each of those were gifts from the teacher who let Sequoia and I visit her special needs class at Edison Park Elementary. When the kids each walked in, I was a bit nervous since I had never worked with special needs children before and I had no clue what they would be able to understand or enjoy but as soon as the ice was broken and the smiles started showing, I knew it would be a great visit. The kids seemed to like it but we were all quiet and calm so I didn’t really know if they did or not until the teacher pulled me aside with tears in her eyes saying, “I prayed for this to happen.” Apparently she hadn't seen many of those students exhibit such tranquil behavior in school. Something I considered as simple as staying seated on a mat was a milestone for some of those kids who are hyperactive and autistic. I went back into the class to say goodbye and the kids approached me for a hug and I was thoroughly touched. When I see the reminders of that day plastered along my wall through sleepy-eyed daze, I remember the impact I had on those children that day and nothing can spoil my mood.
AI can’t believe the year is practically over. As my high school journee all quiet and calm so I didn’t really know if they did or not until the teacher pulled me aside with tears in her eyes saying “I prayed for this to happen.” Apparently, she hadn’t seen many of those students exhibit such tranquil behavior. Something I considered as simple as staying seated on a mat was a milestone for some of those kids who are hyperactive and autistic. I went back into the class to say goodbye and the kids approached me for a hug and I was thoroughly touched. When I see the reminders of that day plastered along my wall through sleepy-eyed daze, I remember the impact I had on those children that day and nothing can spoil my mood.
Although I have no material reminder of my visit to Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior aside from a sign-in sheet, one student in that class I spoke to stood out to me. He was a special needs student my age and I found it hard to figure out how to talk to him and the rest of the class because they looked my age but I didn’t know where they were mentally. I introduced myself and he immediately said “Hi Katrina!” and remained engaged in the discussion throughout the presentation. He even danced during The Sequoia Smile Song with several other people. At the end, he came up to me for a hug and proceeded to say “You’re huggly!” which is officially my new favorite word. I didn’t see it myself, but when he walked out the door, he blew me a kiss and I think of it as one of the sweeter moments in my life.
Classroom visits aside, I’ve come across truly wonderful groups of people through advocacy events. At my first event at a Publix advocacy table, I didn’t even plan on collecting money but so many people kept offering that a dog bowl was used as a pseudo-donation bin (which looked very appropriate given the ‘pawesome’ looking table) and $44 dollars were donated that day. I was pleasantly shocked to say the least considering the current economic situation. Also, small praises such as hearing someone say “God bless you,” and things of that nature upon seeing what I’ve created, gives me an overwhelming sense of happiness and reassures me that my passion is making people stop and take the time to talk to me and find out more about the animal wellness.
I can’t anything short of I feel like I am truly and utterly blessed. So much progress has been made in developing my community project. it all began when I had the confidence in my own abilities to create this in tenth grade a couple of years ago. Project PAWS will only get better from here with the help of Sequoia’s fantastic work. The future is looking extraordinarily pawmising!
Check out Kat's blog - http://projectpaws.blogspot.com/
