JAMES CITY COUNTY — Local elementary students are helping shelter pets get adopted through the Kids, Cats, and K9 program established by animal welfare advocate Bob Tubbs.
The program’s purpose is to bring awareness to shelter animals by connecting them to students who draw a picture of the pet and write an accompanying story that is shared in the community.
The program has also taught the kids about animal welfare and compassion.
Tubbs, who founded the nonprofit group Virginia Animal Protection presented the program at the May 13 James City County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Trader Joe’s on Settlers Market Boulevard hosts a bulletin board where the adoptable pet artwork is showcased. Tubbs would like to have the artwork displayed in county buildings, including the Rec Center and public safety facilities.
“This project did not begin with a grant, subcommittee or even a PowerPoint. It started with crayons, compassion and an idea that kids could be part of a solution for our shelters and civic life. Kids, Cats and K9s teaches students not just to care for animals but to become voices for them. In doing so, they become better neighbors, better citizens and one day, better leaders” explained Tubbs.
Matoaka Elementary School and Providence Classical School currently participate in the program.
Bobby Knowles, Principal of Matoaka Elementary, shared thoughts from a participating teacher, who explained the “power of this project,” saying, “It was really heartwarming to hear the conversations amongst students as they read about the animals they had chosen. Lots of discussions about their own dogs and cats and how much they loved them and missed ones that had passed. The lesson was a wonderful opportunity to show empathy and compassion towards animals needing a home and a family to love.”
Coordinating over 50 children in four classes, Liz Hamilton of Providence Classical School said, “Through this, we were able to supplement both our art curriculum and our writing curriculum.”
Hamilton also said many of her students went to the shelters to visit the animals they wrote about. “It gave the students a real sense of the community they are in that they, even as young as they are, can make a difference.”
Kimberly Laska, Executive Director for Heritage Human Society, is grateful for the additional support.
“At Heritage Human Society we are inundated with animals from all walks of life. Sometimes, the hardest part is getting different eyes on the animals,” she said. “So, by partnering with the Kids, Cats and K9s program, it brings a younger audience and introduces them to what we hope will be a lifelong connections with pets in our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to get more animals exposed.”
The organization shared stuffed animals with each member of the JCC Board of Supervisors before taking a commemorative photo.
“Thank you for helping us raise a generation that cares deeply about animals and the world around them. Thank you for proving small hands can make big change,” said Tubbs.
Visit the Kids, Cats and K9s Facebook page to learn more.
