Students in Galva Elementary School’s Kiwanis K-Kids program recently announced their second annual Pennies for Puppies fundraiser. All monies raised go to the Galva Puppy Fund, a service that helps unclaimed stray dogs picked up by police become adoptable.

Such dogs receive the necessary vaccinations, are wormed, microchipped and spayed or neutered at Stevens Veterinary Service in Galva. If required, grooming and wound care are provided as well. Once these services are done, the dogs are available for adoption.

Staff at the Veterinarian’s office said that most loose dogs brought into the office are returned to their owners. However, those not claimed receive the care needed to make them adoptable.

Talking about dogs comes easily to the club’s officers, as they all have dogs and other pets at home, and they volunteered some insight into their feelings about their four-legged friends, stray or otherwise. As young pet owners, they shared their thoughts on helping stray dogs as well as caring for their own.

K-Kids Club president and sixth grader Ellory Glaser feels it’s important to help stray dogs.

“They need a good home”, she said, adding that the Puppy Fund helps them get fixed up so people will adopt them. Glaser knows that dogs can get loose and says her family makes certain that her dog, Hurley, stays in his yard. “Dogs that run loose can get hurt,” says Glaser.

The Club’s vice-president, Kellan Hardy, a fifth grader, feels helping a sick dog is the right thing to do.

“The Puppy Fund helps them get the right treatment so they can get well and be adopted,” Hardy said.

Hardy’s dog Dakota keeps him busy and he feels it’s important to train dogs and recommends invisible fences to keep them from running away. He cautions dog owners, “When they run away, you might lose them forever.”

Another sixth grader, Madelyn McCurdy, is the Club’s secretary and says that the club meets once or twice each month.

“There are about 35 members in the club. It’s open to kids in grades four, five and six,” she said.

She also stresses the importance of making certain dogs are protected and don’t go hungry. Her dog, Willow, reminds her of the importance of caring for pets.

“It’s hard for them to tell us when they are sick,” she said, “And stray dogs can be scared.”

Jacob Boston, club treasurer, is a fifth grader and feels dogs can be a person’s best friend.

“The Puppy Fund helps find homes for stray dogs,” he said, noting that he cares for his two dogs, Kia and Dusty and tries to keep them safe. Boston said it was also very important to clean up after your dog when you take it for a walk. “It’s your responsibility when you have a dog,”

They all agreed that caring for dogs is a big job. “Hard toys are best,” said Boston, with Hardy adding, “My dog chews up softer things.” McCurdy and Glaser echoed what the other two said, with McCurdy admitting, “My dog likes to chew up my mom’s shoes.”

The K-Kids is sponsored by the Galva Kiwanis Club which covers the cost of membership in Kiwanis International and promotes their involvement in community projects.

Amy Corkill, a second-grade teacher, has served as the liaison between K-Kids and the Kiwanis adult membership for four years. She is joined by advisors Dawn Peters and Emily Dulla, both of whom teach fifth grade. According to Corkill, the students chose the Puppy Fund Project over fourteen other non-profits.

“They all agreed that helping the puppies and dogs is the right choice for a fundraiser,” said Corkill.

The students hope to top last year’s donation of $250. Those wishing to donate to the Pennies for Puppies can do so by taking them to the elementary school office or sending them to Galva Elementary, c/o Amy Corkill, 224 Morgan Road, Galva, IL., 61434. Donations can also be taken directly to Stevens Veterinary Services.