Trio Raises Money for Homeless Animals

Story by Broadside Staff Writer Kyle Ridley. Photo courtesy of HART.

The fundraising students, as part of a project for Professor Lakesha Anderson’s Association Communication course, hope to shed light on how nonprofit organizations are often the first to collapse under the weight of an economic crisis. They said the stress of job loss, company cut backs and dwindling bank accounts have left little room for charitable functions to flourish, and they hope to make a difference by lending a helpful hand.

Established in 1990, HART is a no-kill animal rescue/support group that cares for unwanted dogs and cats until they find a permanent home.

Students and staff can donate any amount toward a general Mason fund or make a $10 donation to sponsor a specific animal and have their name listed on HART’s website. The group hopes to raise five full sponsorships.

Woodward, 22, understands that money is tight for many families but is hopeful about Mason’s contribution.

“HART is a great way for people to give back to their communities without going so far out of their way,” said Woodward, whose family fosters dogs. “Who wouldn’t want to help an animal in need?”

HART volunteer Dawn Costa said any assistance is needed and welcome. She explained that the economic crash has caused many families to surrender their pets because they no longer have the money to care for them or have had to move into an apartment or with someone that does not allow animals.

“We and every rescue right now are being bombarded with calls from owners and the shelters that are now overrun with animals and will have to start putting them down,” said Costa. “It is very sad.”

Costa said that donations and pet sponsoring is an ideal way to chip in without having to make a long term commitment.

“Often times when a dog or cat is in a medical emergency we have to make quick decisions. When we do lay out the money for these big medical bills, it depletes our funds to save and care for even more dogs and cats,” she said. “So to get the help to restore those funds means a lot.”

Costa said that earlier this year HART funded a prosthetics surgery for a lab mix that lost both rear legs after being run over by a lawnmower.

When sponsoring an animal, all donations go directly to veterinary costs, medication, food, bedding and treats. Donators can sponsor a pet in memory of or in honor of someone and have the information placed on HART’s website.
Miller, Fortune and Woodward also set a goal of raising five spay or neuter donations from local animal clinics. They said so far no clinics have agreed, but they plan to visit more in the weeks to come.

Students and staff that cannot attend the Mason kiosk on Thursday can e-mail Masonhartund@yahoo.com to make donation arrangements.