Student raises money for dog-rescue charity

(CNS Local Life): Alyssa Hislop, a year 5 student at Cayman Prep and High School, was recently inspired to raise money for local dog charity, One Dog at a Time (ODAAT). On her own, she organised a pink lemonade stand to coincide with her parents’ warehouse sale. After three hours of selling the drinks, plus a variety of home-made cakes and cookies baked with the help of family friend Petula Twinn, she raised more than $500.

Recounting her efforts, Alyssa said, “We started selling at 9am and we were very busy from the start! People raved about the food and loved looking at the poster I had made of all the dogs that are looking for a home through One Dog at a Time.”

This was not the student’s first fundraising venture, having previously collected $150 for the Cayman Islands Humane Society, with the funds used to buy new equipment including beds and toys “so the dogs are more comfortable”.

Caroline Johnston, ODAAT vice president, called Alyssa’s achievement “amazing”, adding that after discussing her options and telling the youngster about the charity’s “wish list”, she chose to put her donation towards medical bills for newly rescued German Shepherd pups, Cody and Chopper, plus toys and equipment for them.

The two dogs are recovering from serious skin infections in the ODAAT kennels. “The boys are approximately seven months old and despite their previous neglect, they are the most loving and enthusiastic dogs with a real zest for life,” Johnson said. “Cody loves running around the large garden with my own dogs and other fosters that I have.”

Chopper is suffering from severe mange as well as a serious, secondary skin infection, and both require regular bathing and medication, Johnson explained, adding, “In just the short time I’ve had them, their recovery (has been) amazing.”

Anyone interested in fostering or adopting dogs from ODAAT, email info@odaat.ky or message them via the charity’s Facebook page

Tags: Featured, ODAAT, One Dog at a Time

Category: Community, Fundraiser