By Laila Casiano | Staff Writer

The Intro to Service Learning students partnered with the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society (NEAHS) to host the Fuzzy Friend Adoption Fair outside of the Reng Student Union.

Courtney Bracy, instructor of interdisciplinary studies, said her students pitched the idea to her. She said the adoption fair’s goal was to spread awareness about obtaining or qualifying for an emotional support animal and/or services.

“We wanted to give (NEAHS) publicity and hopefully get a few puppies adopted, as well as offering information on how students here can volunteer here at the Humane Society,” Bracy said. “While also offering information about getting your pet approved for emotional support animals or bringing your service pet onto campus.” 

Amy Schmidt, administrative director of NEAHS, said she agreed with the collaboration. 

“We love college students,” Schmidt said. “Some of our best volunteers are A-State college students.” 

Schmidt said she appreciated the efforts from Bracy’s class to spread information on how to donate, volunteer and adopt.

The administrative director said donating high demand cleaning products like bleach, Fabulouso, Dawn, laundry detergent and trash bags is a great way to support the NEAHS.

“We go through all that stuff so fast because we are constantly cleaning and keeping up with everything to be healthy,” Schmidt said.

For volunteering, Schmidt said she encourages people to call the shelter to schedule a meeting. For adoption, there is an online adoption application where later applicants can be scheduled for a meet and greet with potential pets. 

“We have people come in all the time, having no idea what kind of dog they want,” Schmidt said. “My kennel staff works like magic on finding the perfect one.”

But beyond the adoption fair and the goal to spread awareness about emotional support animals and services, this was an opportunity for students to bring their own pets. 

With Halloween so close, some students dressed their dogs up in costumes.

Terriny Morris, a senior majoring in business economics and business administration from West Memphis, Arkansas, brought their 3-year old pocket beagle named Jinx, dressed in a nurse outfit.

“I came here because Jinx really hasn’t been hanging around dogs and I just wanted her to come out and just have fun with the other pups,” Morris said. 

Kendra Gillispie, a junior majoring child development and family studies from Oklahoma City, a student from the intro to service learning class, brought their own dog, a miniature sheepadoodle named Lucky.

“He’s been my companion since I got him and had him for three years now,” Gillispie said. “He’s my best friend.”

Students interested in supporting the NEAHS in any ways like donating, volunteering or adopting can check out neahs.org for further information. 

Categories: Life