Some special kids

I had the honor of meeting 6 wonderful 4th grade students from Windsor School in Elyria a few weeks ago.  I don't use the word 'awe' very often, especially with kids but I am in awe of these 6 students and their classmates.  No offense to any parents but I meet a lot of self-centered, over-indulged children and, in all honesty, I'm quite irritated with it and have a very jaded view of children.

Then I entered into a conversation with Cindy Czerski from Windsor school.  She told me of a group of students from her class that approached her about doing a fundraiser for the animals at Friendship APL.  The students and Mrs. Czerski put their heads together and came up with the idea they would sell snacks to raise money.  And raise money they did.  In about 4 months, these 6 students raised $225 for FAPL.  An average of $10/month per student.  I know some are thinking 'that's all?'  Maybe it doesn't sound like much but to a non-profit shelter, it means a lot.  It means 5 more cats spayed or 7 cats neutered before adoption with a bit left over.  It's about 4 weeks of kitty litter.  And, what if more people donated $10 (or an extra $10) per month to the shelter?  FAPL wouldn't have to worry about the cost of electricity, spay/neuter fees, routine medical costs.  FAPL could continue it's mission to protect homeless animals.  1000 people donating an extra $10/month would make a huge difference to homeless animals in the county.  It might even allow FAPL to have a low-cost spay neuter clinic, start a trap-neuter-release program to start cutting down on the feral cat population and help pet owners in crisis keep their pets in their homes instead of surrendering them to the shelter.

But, it's also about hope.  Hope for the future.  Hope that students like this will continue to care about animals and continue to work towards a world where all pets are wanted and have homes.  Where pets will have food, water and love instead of being neglected and abused at the hands of their guardians.  Hope that because of their mission and their hard work, someone will think twice about burning a stray cat or entering into the viscous world of dog fighting.  

How about you?  Can you share some hope with the homeless animals of Lorain County?  I invite you to visit the shelter, she what they are doing.  Talk to the executive director Greg Willey; ask him how FAPL compares to Huron County and Geauga County.  It's quite a story.  Then decide if FAPL is worthy of an extra $10/month from you.