Hermela Amanuel(left) and Melanie Marx(right) with a senior (middle) and one of the animals they brought to the Culver City Senior Center. PHOTO BY DEBORAH MAY FOR MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS
Melanie Marx and Hermela Amanuel, Girl Scouts from Troop 1615, partnered with Michelson Found Animals Adopt & Shop to bring cats and dogs to the Culver City Senior Center in February. The girls were asked to identify an issue they care about and to create a project to help raise awareness in the community. They chose the theme “The Health Benefits of Pets for Senior Citizens.” Through this project, titled ‘Pet-a-Pet Day,’ the girls will receive their Girl Scout Silver Award, the 2nd highest award a Girl Scout can achieve.
“There is a growing body of scientific research showing that people are happier and healthier in the presence of animals, but above all these remarkable girls wanted to make a difference in their community and we celebrate that,” said Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of Michelson Found Animals Foundation. “When we first heard of the opportunity to be a part of this, it was a no-brainer for us as we champion the mutually beneficial health benefits of people and pets. We are so thrilled to see children wanting to get involved with animals and to help those in their community.”
Michelson Found Animals brought their Catty Wagon, a mobile adoption truck inspired by the nationwide food truck craze. During kitten season the adoption center on wheels is loaded with kittens, and in off-seasons is filled with cute cats and small dogs. It features two onboard meet-and-greet rooms and starter products new pet owners may need. Along with the truck, the Adopt & Shop team brought animal crates to be placed outside of the vehicle for seniors who couldn’t physically come on board. To kick off the event, Melanie and Hermela shared a presentation on what inspired them to bring adoptable animals and seniors together. Following the presentation, their troop engaged with seniors and helped them visit with the animals.
