Local Students Protect Dogs from Extreme Buffalo Cold & Heat by Building Doghouses for SPCA’s Operation P.A.W.S.

June 11, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Students from The Foundry and OLV Human Services presented student-built doghouses to the SPCA Serving Erie County today as part of the SPCA’s Operation P.A.W.S. (Providing Adequate Water & Shelter) program!

Each winter and summer the SPCA receives calls for service in response to dogs left outdoors in extreme temperatures. Some community members lack the resources and/or knowledge concerning appropriate shelter for their dogs, Operation P.A.W.S. is a program of the SPCA Serving Erie County designed to provide pet owners and at-risk dogs appropriate shelter and other supplies.

This semester, students at The Foundry [ a hands-on education facility dedicated to increasing neighborhood prosperity by empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship ] built doghouses for Operation P.A.W.S. to help the SPCA assist these pets and pet owners.

The Foundry held a ceremony today at its 298 Northampton St., Buffalo location to celebrate the students’ work, and students and staff presented the doghouses to the SPCA

“We’re so excited to build new partner relationships as we work on initiatives designed to keep people and pets together,” says Tyler Robertson, SPCA strategic initiatives program manager. “This relationship with The Foundry is not only valuable to us, it is valuable to every pet owner who will benefit from the hard work of these students, building doghouses to protect four-footed family members.”

Amina Boyd, The Foundry’s education director, says, “At the Foundry, we are dedicated to equipping our students with essential life skills through hands-on learning experiences. Watching them create quality products that positively impact our community is truly rewarding. Their achievements and the community’s appreciation of their hard work make it all worthwhile.”

Sr. Director of Innovative Learning at OLV Human Services Marga McMahon adds, “This opportunity not only allows our students to participate in hands-on learning, but also exposes them to vocational and volunteer opportunities in their communities.”

For more information on collaborating with the SPCA and Operation P.A.W.S. in the construction of doghouses, please contact Robertson at the SPCA, (716) 875-7360, ext. 238.

Find more on The Foundry here >>
Find more on OLV Human Services here >>

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