Name: Project Paws
Founder: Megan Stetz
What is Project Paws?
Project Paws is a club on campus that is open to all students! We try to actively seek how we can help shelters in any way possible! Right now, we have been doing fundraisers to donate money to shelters. We recently made dog toys that we will deliver to Anna’s Shelter! Also, through the close contact with shelters, students will learn that shelter animals are loving creatures just looking for a second chance!
Why did you decide to start Project Paws?
I actually wanted to do this since I was a freshman but just got discouraged since I didn’t know many people on campus and did not think I could start up my own club. After getting more involved on campus through other organizations, I figured why not! I always wanted to help shelters too, in any way, so I figured with a group of students we could be more effective and make a difference!
What drove you to have a deep love for animals?
I’ve had a dog since I was five years old, so that could probably be it. When I see an animal getting mistreated it kills me inside because I could not imagine my pup going through that. I just feel that such self-less creatures deserve to be spoiled by their owners in any way possible. So for the furry creatures that don’t have a home yet, I feel obligated to help them out!
What is a goal you have for Project Paws?
A goal I have right now, since we are new, is to get to every shelter this year one way or another. It is hard to have shelters open up to a new organization because we aren’t a priority to them yet, which makes sense honestly. So we want to do what we can for the shelters so that they know we are here for them and are not just trying to get service hours! So basically if we cannot volunteer at a specific shelter because of their schedule, we could fundraise for them instead, that way they are still benefitting from our organization
What are you most looking forward to with this organization?
I am excited for students to see the shelters and play with the animals. Not because that’s the only reason I want students to join, but because students can learn that shelter dogs are not vicious and unwanted animals – they are loving and very friendly. The animals were just mistreated by their previous owner and now are looking for that second chance. When students see that love in the animal’s eye they will understand, and that’s what we are all about.
Are you a cat or dog lover?
I am one hundred percent a dog lover. Why? Because they will always love you and care about you, compared to a cat that will like you when they feel like it. Also, dogs are more active and I am an active person so it just works out better. But I am not opposed to cats, a lot of my friends and family have cats, so I don’t refuse to like them or give them attention.
What events have you done already or are planning to do? We have already done a T-shirt drive to collect old shirts to make into dog toys. The drive was a huge success because of the student body here at Behrend. We are thankful for everyone who participated because we made about 100 toys! We also had a bake sale during Parents and Family Weekend that we are using as donation money as well. As for the future, we are still deciding on events. But as for a sneak peak, I was approached by LEB and we may possibly be bringing a shelter on to campus! (meg’s photo)
We cannot wait to see all the Paws Project has in store! HCXO