Sophomore Caitlin Donnelly has partnered with Faithful Friends Animal Society and faculty moderator, Mrs. Fenimore, to start a new club, Paws Up. Paws Up is intended to provide animal lovers with the opportunity to volunteer with the animals at Faithful Friends as well as participate in making and donating items to benefit the shelter.
While Padua has many service-based clubs, this is the first that benefits animals. Many students are excited for the opportunity to become involved with something that is unlike anything else offered at Padua. For people who feel passionately about animals rights, this is an amazing opportunity to get involved in service for a very worthy cause explained junior Maureen Haffey. “I signed up for Paws Up because I love animals and have always wanted to help them, but never knew how and didn’t want to do it by myself.” said Maureen. “By signing up, I hope my friends and I can get together to help animals around our community.” Founder Caitlin Donnelly shares the same hopes as the new members. “Throughout their experience in Paws Up and at the shelter, I hope the girls will be able to take something away from all they have done. I hope they will leave the club feeling like they have made a difference. For those that volunteer, they will be able to gain service hours as well as create a special bond with the animals at the shelter.” said Donnelly. “This year, Mrs. Fenimore and I have a lot planned for the club. We hope to collect a lot of donations for the shelter as well as make toys for the all of the dogs. We also plan on having some of the club members volunteer at Faithful Friends and hope that some even become regular volunteers at the shelter.”

Due to the overwhelming interest in Paws Up, the meeting originally scheduled for March 2nd is being moved to Monday, March 12th in Roberto Hall during flex. The meeting will explain the overall goals and plans for the club. Anyone interested in attending should sign up on the interest form emailed to all students.