Rescued Pug Helps Teach Children, Family Benefits of Volunteering

Eight-year-old pug, Lola, sat comfortably in the arms of Julie Kaull sporting her new “crown collar” as queen of the recently-held 22nd annual . The pug, recently adopted by the Kaull family, had been, only weeks before, wandering the streets of Newport and taken to the shelter by local police.

Ten-year-old Julie Kaull of Portsmouth, along with her mother Jane, had been volunteering at the shelter when the pug arrived and was immediately smitten.

“We lost our own pug, Hannah, who had been with us for 17 years, in January,” said Julie, who felt that “getting a new dog right away would not fill the void,” but thought volunteering at the shelter would be “good therapy to help with the grieving process.”

During the weeks, the pug was being checked-out by shelter veterinarians and given the okay for adoption. Julie continued her volunteering, “knowing she was making a difference in the lives of these animals,” and signed up for the Walk for Animals.

Julie began soliciting donations for sponsorship in the walk. Through the help of Jenny McWilliams, Feinstein Scholarship liaison between Portsmouth Middle School and Melville Elementary School, Julie was invited to speak to the second grade class at Melville about the rewarding experience she was having volunteering at the shelter.

The students themselves put a jar to fill with loose change to help Julie’s effort and together, along with online donations, the group was able to raise more than $200 for the shelter.

Just days before the Walk For Animals, “Lola,” as she is now known, was given the okay to go home with the Kaull family.

“She is overweight and has a few health problems,” said Jane, “but we are prepared for that.”

Thanks to the Potter Animal Shelter, the Kaull family has a new pet and the second-graders of Melville Elementary have a new understanding of what it means to volunteer. A homeless dog has also found her way into the hearts of a family who will forever love and care for her.

For more information on how you can volunteer, click here.