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Save the Animals Rescue Team
WOODLAND PARK, NEW JERSEY (NorthJersey.com) - Students from Memorial Middle School's Animal Club took time recently to give back to animals in need in their community.
The club, comprised of approximately 50 students, collected pet food during the month of January. According to the club's advisor, Lynn Donato, collection bags were placed in each of the 20 homerooms at the school.
"Collection bags were also sent home with some of our Animal Club members whose parents wished to set up a collection area at their place of business or employment," Donato said. "Over 15 grocery bags were filled with canned cat and dog food, along with bags of dry food and treats for both. We were all happy to present the collection to Kym LaMarr of the Save the Animals Rescue Team (S.T.A.R.T.)."
S.T.A.R.T., a local non-profit animal rescue organization, has been in existence for over 20 years working to help homeless animals and control their population. LaMarr joined the recent club meeting on Feb. 8 and spoke to the students of how the donated food will help many animals in need of assistance, especially feral cats in the area. She also spoke about one cat in particular, "LuLu," who was helped by generous donors.
"I think you kids are all amazing," LaMarr said as students, along with Donato, presented her with the animal food. A private donation in amount of $225 was also given towards the organization. "Many of these homeless animals we take care of won't be hungry thanks to all of you. It was because of generous donations that we're also hoping to help LuLu."
LuLu is a cat in one their feral local colonies that recently broken her leg and her Achilles tendon had separated from the bone. She needed immediate emergency surgery if she was to walk again, LaMarr explained, as she showed a film clip of the cat's care and rehabilitation after her surgery to the students.
"Special plates and pins were used to fix the break but she is now doing well, recuperating and walking while wearing a cast. LuLu is special because she likes people and will let you hold her, unlike most feral cats. She will be put up for adoption once she gets better."
LuLu's surgery was done at Little Falls Animal Hospital, but the cost of her specialized surgery, recovery exams and care will be expensive, added LaMmrr. The hospital also works with Rutherford Animal Hospital to spay and neuter close to 100 cats each year during Spay Day. This year's Spay Day is on March 4.
"In addition, S.T.A.R.T. readily does TNR, which stands for trap-neuter-release," she told the students. "We try to control the feral cat population this way because there are so many animals without homes. We also provide foster care to these homeless animals until they get adopted."
Donato also presented students with individual recognition awards from S.T.A.R.T.
"The club's mission is similar to that of S.T.A.R.T.'s and that is to present proper care and responsibility of owning a pet, promoting awareness of the consequences of overpopulation, prevent cruelty to all animals, encouraging awareness through education, and teaching respect for all animals and the environment," noted Donato. "This club is helping to develop a true moral compass in young students because they become aware of the less fortunate and foster a valuable lifelong commitment to helping others and animals in need. Compassion is a true virtue."
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Updated 460 days ago Article ID# 1454350
Save the Animals Rescue Team
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