Project SNOW Visits Richard A. Stein Animal Shelter

Canton, Mass. On October 25, Junior Community Problem Solving Project SNOW (Safeguarding Neighborhoods Over Winter) visited the Richard A. Stein Animal Shelter to learn more about how they can help animals be safe and comfortable in the winter. After introducing their project, members of Project SNOW were led by Animal Control Officer Stacy Nee for a tour around the animal shelter. They saw numerous rescued animals, including cats, dogs, and even a parrot. Members were shocked to learn that the parrot was found flying around off of Route 138 after crashing into the window, and one dog that was abandoned in the woods in a cage. Without the assistance of the shelter, these animals and many others would not be able to be healthy today. The team learned that if a wild animal is in critical condition, then it is sent to the Wildlife Animal Hospital. If they are just shaken up, they are allowed to rest, and are able to freely venture out after the officers determined that they will be alright. Isabella Siu, 5th grade member of Project SNOW states: “It was interesting to learn about animal rescue and what we can do to help the animals. We really appreciate all the work the animal shelter does to keep abandoned animals safe.”

Project SNOW was very intrigued by the effects of snowy winters on the conditions of the animals. 5th grader Nishka Baduamanda learned that the Animal Shelter uses a special type of salt called Safe Pet Melt, which does not have real salt and does not harm animal paws. Her determination to help the animals in the winter led her to say, “It is a great career choice where you can help animals and spend time with animals all the time.We are lucky to have a caring animal control officer in Canton.”

4th grader Siya Bais could not hold in her excitement when she saw the animals. She was very curious about how Project SNOW can help animals in the winter, and she learned that the animal shelter could really use the help of bringing in food and pet beds for the animals there.

Project SNOW hopes to use their resources and knowledge to provide assistance to the Animal Shelter and the animals in there. They are also starting a donation drive next week at the Canton Public Library and JFK Elementary School to collect supplies for the animal shelter.

Because winter could impose many negative repercussions on the health of the animals, they are dedicated to making a positive change in their lives and would like to thank you for all your support along the way and everyone encouraging them to help Canton and other towns become a safer environment. This event is organized by the Project SNOW team: Pranav Addanki, Nishka Baduamanda, Siya Bais, Ishita Jaiswal, Sreerama Jonnala, Rhodes Lee, Disha Nayak, Russell Shea, Fatima Sidibay, Isabella Siu, Anika Valluri, and Anthony Wang.

For more information, please visit https://projectsnow1718.wixsite.com/projectsnow or contact projectsnow1718@gmail.com.

If you want to donate to Project SNOW, please visit GoFundMe.com page at https://www.gofundme.com/ProjectSNOW1718. All the donations will be used to buy supplies to take care of animals at the animal shelter and also valuable trees in Canton during the winter season. Donations will also be used to buy heated mats for the senior center and senior citizens.