Photo courtesy of Andrea Guscott
Elizabethtown College students made comments like “Oh, cute dog!” and “Puppy!” as they walked through the Baugher Student Center (BSC) Friday, April 20 from 1-3 p.m.
Therapy dogs from the Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS) were helping members of the Class of 2021 Student Senate raise money for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
As students walked past and petted the therapy dogs, they could donate to the ASPCA by putting money in the donation jar or by filling out the charge sheet on the table.
By the end of the fundraiser, the Class of 2021 Student Senate raised $78.50 for the ASPCA.
First-year and president of the Class of 2021 Andrea Guscott said this fundraiser was unique because they raised money for a non-profit organization. In the past, class senates have had fundraisers for their class or an event.
First-year and student representative of the Class of 2021 Giovanni Zapata said they knew they wanted to donate to a charity.
“Part of being a good person is being selfless,” Zapata said.
Guscott added that they decided to benefit animals and then chose to donate to ASPCA.
“A part of Senate is advocating for students, but it’s also a good idea to advocate for our furry friends,” Zapata said.
According to the ASPCA national website, the non-profit’s work includes “saving animals from dogfighting, puppy mills, hoarding and other cruelty-related situations.”
The ASPCA also helps animals receive medical care, behavioral rehabilitation and new homes.
They advocate for stronger laws to protect animals and send disaster response teams to areas affected by natural disasters, like hurricanes, to help transport and relocate animals.
“We thought the organization itself is beautiful,” Zapata said.
Guscott said organizing the event with KPETS was simple. She contacted them, told them about the fundraiser and gave them the date, time and location.
KPETS sent volunteer teams, which consist of human volunteers and their pets that are registered therapy animals.
KPETS is a network of volunteer teams based out of Lancaster that provides services for free to those in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. For more information, visit kpets.org.
The Class of 2021 Senate had hoped the miniature horse and its owner who volunteer with KPETS would be able to attend the event, but there was a scheduling conflict.
Two therapy dogs, Quigley and Truman, attended the fundraiser. When students petted Quigley, he whined.
His owner, Janie Jaskey, said his whining sounded like a bear and meant he was happy.
“If Quigley can’t make them smile, they’re a lost cause,” Jaskey said.
Jaskey explained that Quigley is a male Australian Shepherd who turned nine on Tax Day, April 17. He has been a therapy dog for four years and loves large groups.
According to Jaskey, he does not get tired and is sad when they leave an event.
“I just pick out events I know he’ll love,” Jaskey said.
Sophomore Hannah Paymer was among the group of students who petted Quigley.
“This is great,” Paymer said. “We should do this more often.”
This is the last event of the semester for the Class of 2021 Senate, but Guscott said to look out for more events next semester and that they may donate to other organizations in the future.
