Shelter animals get some holiday cheer

Needy animals need love too.

Students from Bishop Kearney High School brought some treats andcheer to the four-legged inhabitants of Sean Casey Animal Rescue onDecember 21. The girls brought the lucky cats and dogs Nylabones,Kong toys and snacks.

Students had held a pretzel sale at the school earlier this weekand raised $600. Half of the money was donated to the shelter andthe other half will be used to replace the splintering risers atBishop Kearney.

We are all about a cruelty-free lifestyle, said ChristineO’Rourke, moderator of the God’s Earth and Creatures Club, addingthat about 12 students volunteer at the shelter year round. Sherecently adopted a 10-year-old dachshund from the shelter.

That afternoon, students handled some of the animals, providedthem with treats and toys, and giving them some good,old-fashioned, tender loving care.

Amanda Degard has been volunteering there for the past fourmonths. She walks dogs and cleans kennels. It’s nice and I enjoythe experience, she said. I feel better after I come here.

Anna Bujnowski just signed up for the volunteer program. I amreally anxious to start, she said. I love animals; it’s one of mypassions.

When Bujnowski was looking to adopt something furry, she did herresearch and stumbled across Sean Casey. I adopted my hamster fromhere. I live for that thing, she said. The people at the storeare so helpful.

It was freshman Brianna Generoso’s first time at the shelter,but she is going to begin volunteering as well. Knowing that thesedogs don’t have a home makes me sad. We do all we can to help, shesaid. I love animals and it’s sad to see them like this.

Lena Nemer agreed. I really like dogs and I want to starthelping, she said.