Hatton School Students Helping Feed Pets in Need

When fourth-graders Mekenzie Joseph, Kalan Rodriguez, Brianna Harris and Julianna Belanger met together earlier this year for a sleepover, their only goal entering the evening was to have fun.

That all changed when the Hatton Elementary School students turned on the television and saw a program on Animal Planet detailing the problems that dog pounds in Texas were having in trying to keep abandoned and homeless dogs properly fed.

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“It was so sad to see. We just wanted to find a way to help out,” Belanger said. “That’s when we decided that we wanted to raise money for pets in need.”

The girls came together this week to present the Southington Police Department and Animal Control Officer David Ireland with cash, food and treats for the animals at the Southington Dog Pound.

The group was able to raise $327 in just one week said Mekenzie Joseph’s mother, Tammy Joseph. The girls used $100 to buy treats and presented that and a gift card during a special presentation with the Southington K-9 Unit on Wednesday.

“It was great to see them do something for the community, this close to home,” Joseph said. “ It was all them – they took on the initiative and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”

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