Every once in awhile, you experience an event that has such a huge impact on your life, you feel changed as a result. That you try to remember every time you have a bad day to put yourself in a better mood. That serves as a reminder of all the positive in the world, and that your words and deeds truly can make a difference. My experience with Rain, a feral foster, was one of those instances for me… but this one takes a close second!
On November 19, Maryville Partners for Animal Welfare (PAW) partnered with a local organization called Pathways to Independence (PTI), an organization devoted to helping adults with complex learning disabilities, specific forms of autism and associated disorders that impact their social abilities. PTI was interested in finding a way to help animals. After much brainstorming with the group’s organizer, we decided a craft night with puppies would be a wonderful way for them to help out! I pitched the project to the PAW student group, and they all fell in love with the idea. We invited PTI participants to Maryville’s campus and hosted a craft night, complete with food, holiday music, and adorable puppies!
Throughout the evening, we made several types of ornaments. The goal was to make a variety of projects for every ability level. We made felt paw print and milkbone ornaments, and some people braided recycled t-shirts to make homemade dog toys. Still others focused on writing thank-you notes to share with those who devote their time and energy to rescuing homeless animals.
With the ornaments, we decorated a “donation tree” that we placed in a local dog grooming business called Groomer Has It Pet Resort and Spa in South County. The ornaments are for sale for $2 each, with all proceeds benefiting the rescued animals with Gateway Pet Guardians.
Words cannot express the impact that this project had on me. I loved seeing my students meeting new friends and connecting with others about something they were passionate about. And the looks on everybody’s faces when they held the puppies was priceless. One participant told me that was her first time ever holding a puppy. She was so happy, it looked like she had tears in her eyes. The little puppy licked her face and snuggled in her lap as her smile lit up the room.
Hopefully this will become an annual event and we will get to see our new friends again!
