At simply 16 years outdated, Ariela Robinson has completed greater than many individuals do in a lifetime. Early this previous summer time, she grew to become a Gold Award Girl Scout, probably the most prestigious honor the group provides to teenaged women who make a optimistic and lasting distinction of their communities. An animal lover since early childhood, Ariela’s mission targeted on serving to shelter and rescue animals. After receiving her award, she determined to show her mission right into a non-profit group known as Reducing Animal Stress, which launched in June 2023 with the assistance and assist of her mom, Michele.
“I noticed how unhappy the animals had been within the shelters and I wished to assist,” Ariela says. Her purpose, and that of her non-profit, is to make life higher for these animals. “I gather and make gadgets to donate to the shelters and rescues. These embody enrichment gadgets, corresponding to blankets and toys, to scale back the animals’ stress.” Ariela explains that anxiousness and stress can increase the chance of sickness and behavioral issues in shelter and rescue animals, making them much less more likely to be adopted.
Other native organizations, such because the Culver City Woman’s Club, assist out by amassing gadgets for Reducing Animal Stress. “Some of the gadgets we gather and donate embody meals puzzles, blankets, toys, beds, hideaway homes, cat privateness screens, and sock heaters,” says Ariela. “We additionally make our personal enrichment toys and blankets.”
Reducing Animal Stress at the moment works with about 30 shelters and rescues across the Greater Los Angeles space, together with the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and lots of LA City shelters. “We work with largely native organizations, but in addition journey to totally different areas for occasions, festivals and festivals,” says Ariela. Not solely does her non-profit donate enrichment gadgets for the animals; additionally they make and hand out adoption kits and assist at adoption occasions.
Public schooling is one other necessary a part of Reducing Animal Stress. “We host workshops in libraries, parks, and colleges to show folks in regards to the significance of fostering and animal enrichment,” Ariela says. “We additionally train them the way to make enrichment toys at residence from frequent home goods, and the toys are then collected and donated to shelters.”
Ariela’s work has been acknowledged nationally by Best Friends Animal Society and PETA, and as of this writing, she is one among 15 finalists to doubtlessly win a $10,000 scholarship. Time will inform what she’ll do with the funds if she wins, but it surely’s most likely protected to say it’ll go in direction of serving to much more animals!
Animal Wellness is North America’s prime pure well being and way of life journal for canines and cats, with a readership of over a million yearly. AW options articles by among the most famed consultants within the pet trade, with subjects starting from weight-reduction plan and well being associated points, to articles on coaching, health and emotional effectively being.
