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On Friday, June 6th I attended the closing flag ceremony at Cummings Valley Elementary School. No, I don't have children, all of my kids have four legs!  I stood teary eyed as I listened to the sound of seven hundred children singing the National Anthem, then reciting the pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Preamble to our Consititution (I don't even know that!).

Then, as all of the kids stood quietly and listened,  their Principal announced the results of their coin collecting drive. He proudly read out the numbers, thousands of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, and even some bills went into the pot. Cheers erupted when he read the total out loud:  Over two thousand dollars!!  Wow, was I impressed.

Then he introduced those of us present-The Tehachapi Humane Society, DobieSOS and Canine Canyon Ranch and informed us that each of the animal rescue organizations would receive a check for $700!  Wow, was I speechless and totally surprised. By the time it sunk in that $700 would buy a lot of dog food, vet care, etc. just at my rescue, the kids were dismissed and already filing back to class. 

I was able to catch up with one class of fifth graders about to march off to their very last elementary school assembly and I showed them some pictures that I brought-of my livingroom filled with dogs of all colors, sleeping on the floor, the couch, under the table, wherever they could find space that day. Amid their comments of "cool", "wow" and "that's awesome", I told them that their hard work would help me to save a lot of big mutts this summer.  When I told them that I use about 40-50 pounds of dog food every day, their eyes widened.  Some of the kids then told me that this coin collecting for the animals project had made them more aware of their own pets, got them to walk their dogs, spend more time with them, get them a new collar.

Education is a wonderful thing and I thank the school for opening the minds and hearts of their students, and for allowing me to participate in my own small way and to benefit greatly from their generosity.  Hug your dog for me!

Leslie Moniot and the pack of sixteen

Canine Canyon Ranch Dog Rescue