BLYTHEWOOD – This Christmas, 15 backyard dogs are going to be warmer and more comfortable when the winter chill sets in this winter.
They are the dogs who will be recipients of 15 dog houses being purchased with money raised by Blythewood High School students Sarah Turner, 15, and Norah Velpula, 17, as part of BHS’s Winter Wishes program.
The dog houses cost about $150 each, so the task to raise $1,750 was daunting. But the girls sallied forth. Sarah called The Voice to help publicize their project. They also worked with the school’s sports teams who were helpful in raising the money.
In the end, they accomplished their goal and exceeded it.
“We actually brought in enough money to buy 16 dog houses, instead of 15,” Sarah said.
She and Velpula contacted Hoof and Paw Society to help them order and store the dog houses and then to distribute them to 16 yards where dogs live with protection from the elements.
“It’s been an exciting project,” Sarah said. “I feel good that these dog houses will make life better for some of the dogs who need them.”