Caring Kids and Volunteers Supporting East Bay SPCA

A recent visit to Dougherty Elementary School by the East Bay SPCA "Smooches for Pooches Program" made such an impact on the students that it ignited the flames of entrepreneurship.

Motivated to fund raise after seeing the work that the East Bay SPCA does and the animals that benefit from the funding, several students donned their thinking caps to secure donations. According to the East Bay SPCA, shelter animals cost an average of five times their adoption fees to house, donations that will help fund their food, shelter and care are always welcome.

The East Bay SPCA has been helping injured, lost and abandoned animals since 1874. The facility in Dublin is one of two that serve Alameda and Contra Costa Counties with the second site located in Oakland.

A few of the students from Dougherty Elementary School decided to raise funds by baking treats. The fourth-graders, who called themselves "Bakers for Pooches", raised $160 and also secured a donation of toys from Unleashed by Petco in Dublin.

Another entrepreneurial fourth grade student took advantage of game day and raised money by selling popcorn. He was highly motivated after receiving the East Bay SPCA fundraising flyer at school and wanted to do something. He worked for a few days planning and setting up the popcorn sale table. His Mom, Shweta remarked that “He was so excited he was ready to give up TV time and it proved to be worth it in the end. With the support of neighbors and friends he was able to fundraise $60. It was a good learning experience and he felt great working for a good cause.”

Dougherty Elementary School teacher, Ms Kathryn Coyle said “I found the program to be very rewarding. The program taught students the value of raising money for a local charity, specifically East Bay SPCA. It was an amazing opportunity for students to learn about the importance of having compassion for all living things and making a difference in our community. Students brainstormed ways to raise money themselves. These ideas included: having a bake sale or lemonade stand, doing extra chores, taking recyclables to the recycling center, walking neighborhood dogs, etc. Students really took pride in knowing they were doing something wonderful for our community. This was my first time participating in the "Smooches for Pooches Program" and I can't wait to participate again next year!”

The East Bay SPCA offers unique classroom and assembly programs, linked to California State Standards, that provide students with an opportunity to learn about animal welfare, human rights, environmental protection and social justice.

Jules Shapiro, East Bay SPCA Marketing Manager remarked “The East Bay SPCA is so thrilled that our commitment to the welfare of dogs and cats within our communities is inspiring kids across the counties we serve! Their donations go directly to making a difference in the lives of the thousands of homeless pets we adopt out each year!”

A major annual fundraiser for the East Bay SPCA is the Growl, Meow & Wine event and tickets are currently on sale. The award-winning event is taking place on Sunday, May 6 at the Oakland facility and was voted "Best Charitable Event" in Oakland Magazine. There will be food, craft beer and wine, and an array of silent and live auction items.

Besides donations that benefit the work of the East Bay SPCA there are a number of ways to help. Volunteer opportunities include animal care, foster care, humane advocacy and special events. There is even a “jog-a-dog” program for weekends where animals can be taken out to local parks for extra exercise.

Shaun Donovan is one of the Volunteers lending a helping hand at the Dublin location. He owns two dogs, one of them being a Havanese, a breed of Cuban origin. Although he resides in Danville he takes the trip to Dublin once a week to spend time caring for the animals awaiting their ‘fur-ever homes”. He especially enjoys the challenge of working with fearful animals.

Shaun said he has always felt a connection with animals and his description of an experience he had as a teenager in a field of 200 cows in Nebraska was reminiscent of a Dr Doolittle encounter.

Two adorable Chihuahua puppies arrived at the facility for their vaccinations. Volunteer foster carer, Svetlana Boyle says her whole family loves to volunteer and her daughter would like to be a veterinarian. She said fostering is a significant responsibility but she and her family enjoy the opportunity of bridging the time before the animals can find adoptive families. They have been volunteering for 8 years and have their own golden retriever puppy as a family pet.

There are stories to tell about every animal brought to the facility. One of these is Cucumber who was found as a stray in a West Oakland junkyard. He had severe gastrointestinal distress and generalized fear and anxiety. The East Bay SPCA medical team ruled out canine parvovirus and quickly got this pup’s system back on track. However, their behavior team needed more time with Cucumber to help him overcome fear and shyness.

After several weeks of love and attention from a circle of volunteers and staff, he was adopted by a forever family who lives off of Lake Merritt. With your help, the SPCA can give more animals like Cucumber all the care and attention they need to begin life anew with loving families. Learn more about Cucumber and how to donate to help provide more second chances to pets like him.

Photo Credit: "Bakers for Pooches sell baked goods in Dublin Photo" courtesy Sudha Ananth