A Doggone Meowy Christmas

by Rebecca Rhodes

It is never too early to deck the paws with boughs of Collie and sing “We Woof You a Merry Christmas.” For the Peer Coaches of WVU Parkersburg the holiday season started with a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 10 in the Student Lounge.

A Doggone Meowy Christmas was created by Peer Coach Paige Flannigan in hopes to raise awareness and donations for the Humane Society of Parkersburg. From now until Dec. 1, anyone may drop off pet supplies under the Christmas tree in the Student Lounge or to the Peer Coach office in room 1003.

“I wanted to incorporate my two favorite things: student involvement and Christmas into one event. A Doggone Meowy Christmas is a way for the student body to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting a cause,” Flannigan said.

The event kicked off at 9 a.m. with an ornament judging of donated decorations from faculty, staff and student organizations. In first place was the Health and Wellness Center, in second place was the Literacy Association and in third place was Special Assistant to the President for Policy and Social Justice Debbie Richards.

Along with winning first-place bragging rights, the Health and Wellness Center received $40 to sponsor one animal in the Humane Society’s shelter.

“It is so important for all members of the college to get active and do a simple activity like submitting an ornament, because being active is connected to student success. Also, WVU Parkersburg is a community college – it only makes sense for us to reach out to the community and give back,” Flannigan said.

The ornaments were placed on the tree along with photos of the shelter pets and their written bios. If anyone is interested in one of the animals, they may take the picture to the Humane Society to see the animal in person and interact with it.

While visiting the shelter, the peer coaches fell in love with Ridgeway, a four year old Pitbull Mix. He has been at the Humane Society for a year, and he is always looking to find a family.

“Ridgeway is very sweet, but he has become depressed from his time at the shelter. He, along with some of the other animals, are looking for a forever home where they can get out of their cage and be loved – they are looking for a Christmas miracle,” Flannigan said.

For more information about the Humane Society or to see a list of needed items, visit http://www.hsop.org/our-wish-list.