Just last week, Media Office’s very own Caitlyn Vester held the first meeting for the Academy Rescue Foundation. Anyone who knows Caitlyn is familiar with her passion for animals of all kinds. Starting in the summer before 10th grade, Caitlyn worked countless hours at Coats Veterinary Hospital (every day after school and on the weekends for about a year and a half) as an assistant, helping in just about anyway possible. One of Caitlyn’s main focuses off the clock at Coats has been volunteering for Odin’s Orphans Rescue, whose dogs run through Coats, creating the Rescue’s logo, and maintaining their website. Odin’s Orphans Rescue is a program that officially started this time last year; however, the program’s functionality had existed long before as its creator, Shanna Floyd, had been rescuing dogs for years. Odin’s Orphans Rescue was created with the mission of “rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason – dogs in our local shelter at high risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of abuse or neglect.” The organization works in conjunction with Coats Vet to receive veterinary care, such as performing necessary surgeries on dogs that are in need, in order for them to be put up for adoption. Over the years, Caitlyn has become deeply invested in this cause and the Academy Rescue Foundation is sure to be an extension of her involvement.

          The Academy Rescue Foundation is a club that aims to assist Odin’s Orphans Rescue in any way and also maintain their website, similarly to the way that Caitlyn has been doing for a while now. The club is currently composed of twenty-one members, and is still welcoming every helping hand. This year, the club’s officers consist of Caitlyn as President, Alexis Reams and Bhavisha Gulabrai as Co-Vice Presidents, Anna Scott Wingfield as Treasurer, and myself as Secretary. In addition to keeping the website up to date, the club will work to raise funds and resources for Odin’s Orphans Rescue with events.  Some ideas include a dog 5K, bake sales with homemade dog treats, a dog show, a dog food bank, and a dog wash. The club will also aim to spread awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering and fostering dogs in need. The club will also use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to spread the word about its success, events, and purpose.

          The club plans to meet every Wednesday during lunch in Mrs. Watkins room and is still welcoming members. Don’t be afraid to stop by, we encourage everyone with an interest to join! To learn even more about Odin’s Orphans Rescue, feel free to visit their website or the article previously featured on the Eagle Examiner.