Article published March 13th, 2008 by the Daily News, Batavia, NY.

"Fundraiser is good for the Spirit"

by Joanne Beck (jbeck@batavianews.com)

      

"... Spirit, a black Labrador retriever who is going blind from an ocular disorder."

BATAVIA - It began as an earnest effort to help out a dog in need.

A month later, that effort broke all predictions and will go down in yearbook history at the state School for the Blind. Students and staff raised more than $1,000 to help Spirit, a black Labrador retriever recovering from eye surgery.

They presented a check to Volunteers For Animals Monday at Genesee County Animal Shelter.

"Who would have ever thought we could do that?" faculty adviser Bethany Burgess said. "I guess the kids, because I never did. We had a great time and everyone loved Spirit. I think we're going to do a whole page in our yearbook on it."

Last month, students decided to have a bake sale to raise money for Spirit. He had eye surgery to combat an ocular disease that will eventually render the canine blind. Volunteers For Animals helped out by paying for the $3,000 surgery. School For the Blind kids then came to VFA's aid with a bake sale.

The community gave an overwhelming response, Burgess said. The school collected 42 dog and 28 cat toys plus a grand total of $1,036.75 toward Spirit's surgery expenses. It showed the kids that they can make a difference. It also made them think beyond themselves to help someone else, she said.

VFA President Wendy Castleman said the non-profit has now raised $2,500 for Spirit's medical care. The community's generosity "has been outstanding," she said, which proves that people "do care about animals and their well being."

Students not only got to display that compassion, but they also got to feel some furry creatures in the process. They met with Blaze, a dog at the shelter, and Boo Boo the cat.

"Blaze was generous with her kisses and snuggles, and they were amazed at how soft Boo Boo was," Castleman said. "The money that the kids raised was significant in helping to cover the cost of Spirit's surgery. They raised a third of the cost just themselves. It shows us ... that it is important to go the extra mile to help sick and injured animals versus just euthanizing them."

It's because of "generous donations" such as the school's that has allowed VFA to care for sick and injured animals "more and more," she said. Care sometimes means complicated and involved treatment, she said.

Many times all an animal needs is a simple medication and "lots of TLC." It makes a difference for bothh caregivers and the animal, she said.

"It is amazing to see them turn around, just like Spirit," she said. "And then to be adopted into a family where they will be cared for the rest of their lives."