Mid project update

These past few weeks I’ve been setting up the sort of foundation for my project. I had a meeting with Dr Cavalini in which he advised me to find an area in need of help and build a relationship with the families periodically checking in on the dogs. To do this as I was filming clips for my video, we visited many small towns around the area and talked to people in them. This allowed me to get an idea of what peoples pets needed, and what towns needed the most help. I noticed most dogs, despite looking alright, are very rarely vaccinated or castrated. Families say they have enough for food most of the time, but can always use the help. Additionally if one of their pets is sick many can’t afford to take them to the vet despite truly caring for them, which was the case of Urania and her dog Teo, which we were able to help a few weeks ago with the funds collected during the tennis tournament. I have also been taking note of certain specific dogs mentioned to me by classmates in the area that need a new home, in order to eventually rescue them. Most of these are tricky because the owners mistreat the dogs but won’t allow people to take them, so I need to find the appropriate way or time to help them. 

Another step I have taken is organizing a little field trip with my class to go to the Halfwayhome shelter whom I’ve been collaborating with, to go spend time with the dogs and take them on walks. The actual field trip is happening a week from now, so I’m in the process of writing emails and organizing transportation. 

My next steps are to continue visiting areas, and establish a few more families to help. Then over the break when we go to San Jose I’ll purchase large bags of food, chew toys and essentials. I will then use this to periodically every few weeks provide families with some food and toys. I also want to begin forming a list of pets in need of vaccinations and neutering for the eventual campaigns I want to organize or help organize. 

Another big step I wish to take in the next few weeks is rescuing the dogs I have been informed of, in particular one that has an abusive owner. Then be able to take him to the vet and interned in the shelter until he gets adopted. After that I want to organize smaller fundraisers, such as a dress down day, and apply for a grant to the wonderment. With this money I will hopefully begin organizing a vaccination campaign. 

As I visited different towns and drove around with my mom I realized that thankfully there might be a smaller amount of stray dogs than I thought. It made me realize most have an owner but don’t get all their needs met many of the times. Because of this I’m very determined now to eventually organize a fixing or vaccination campaign, for the families I’ll be working with and others in need. This is probably one of the best uses of my money as it not only fixes a problem but prevents more pets from being in need in the future, as it means less reproduction and more protection against diseases/viruses.