By Lynn K. Lore

Destini Parker, age 9 years old, and her friend Jeanelle Tyciak, age 9 years old, approached their fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Scott, with a request for the class to think about the pets/animals who won’t be receiving anything for Christmas. As a class, they decided to help the pets that needed gifts for Christmas, and Mrs. Scott telephoned me. Having been a teacher at Caroline L. Reutter School, Franklinville, NJ, I was remembered as having done pet drive donations in the past, and the teachers were looking for a recommended animal shelter for their drive and assistance with the organization. At this point, the classes wanting to participate had grown to 4 fourth grade classes. I eagerly agreed to assist and recommended the Beacon Animal Rescue as the beneficiary of the pet donation drive. I immediately telephoned Sue Marino, dog trainer at Beacon, and arranged for a presentation by Beacon Animal Rescue to 94 fourth graders on November 12.

Susan Marino and Janice Knobb, Manager of Beacon Animal Rescue, arrived with two dogs, Scout and Rudy. Susan and Janice talked about the importance of spaying and neutering pets; when and how to approach a dog safely, and the importance of caring for your pets. The students where allowed to ask questions about dogs and cats, and were permitted to pet the dogs as they left the presentation room. It was a wonderful and informative presentation on pets and pet safety.

The donation collection ran from Nov. 12 – Dec. 8, and the children collected over 528 items which included, dog & cat beds, dog & cat food, leashes, collars, dog and cat toys, kitty litter, cleaning supplies, and gift certificates.

The students were excited about the pet drive and enjoyed stuffing everything into my car. Beacon Animal Rescue was overjoyed with all the wonderful donations collected by the fourth grade classes at Caroline L. Reutter School! A special thank you to all the parents of the children, who donated pet items, as well as to the other teachers whom donated and to Mr. Weigelt, principal, whose authorization of the presentation and support of the program was crucial. Without the support and contributions of everyone involved; teachers, students, parents, principal, and the volunteers at Beacon Animal Rescue, this activity would not have been so successful.