Allyn has volunteered in Connie
Forslind’s class since her daughter was Connie’s first grade
student (sixteen years ago!) Connie invited the former Oakland
Zoo docent to share her interest in animals and nature through
weekly lessons and activities. Allyn often researches news
reports involving animals to share with the class. In early
January, the lesson focused on wolves and their descendents,
dogs. Then the devastating earthquake struck Haiti, and Allyn
shared the news about the canine search and rescue teams working
to locate and rescue survivors. Research led her to the National
Disaster Search Dog Foundation as well as the canine teams that
make up California Task Force 2. The story of these amazing dogs
needed to be told.
The hero of our story, Pearl, had been
rescued from an animal shelter by the National Disaster Search
Dog Foundation and was working with the CA-TF2 search team to
rescue people in Haiti. Allyn approached Connie with the idea,
and Connie asked the children if they were ready to help others
with their very best artwork. Their heartfelt illustrations
speak for themselves - the children enthusiastically illustrated
the true story of Pearl and her partner, Fire Captain Ron
Horetski of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. We had a
story and illustrations, but needed the help of Christine Reder.
Without any hesitation Christine put her computer skills to work
in the desktop publishing of our book. The next hurdle was
overcome when generous people from two local offices of People &
Properties Sotheby’s International Realty donated the entire
printing costs, enabling us to donate 100% of our proceeds to
the Search Dog Foundation. Finally, with the beautiful printing
by Lydia Leveriza of Diablo Printing and Copying, our books were
ready to go to work.
We recently shared a great day with
Captain Horetski and Pearl when they flew from Los Angeles to
visit our school. The children loved meeting and spending the
day with these heroes! In the six weeks that our books have been
available we have raised nearly $6000. Please help us support
the work of this valuable organization. Through the Search Dog
Foundation, rescued dogs help disaster survivors. Through our
book, awareness of their important work is spread and children
learn that they have the ability and power to make a difference
in our very small world. 1,000 books sold will sponsor the
training of another rescue dog. Thank you for your help! |
