Hardworking 7-year-old makes a difference in two shelter animal’s lives

HUACHUCA CITY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - While it may seem like a drop in a bucket, the effort made by Kalyssa White, a 7-year-old from Huachuca City, helped make the life of two animals at the local shelter a little better.

Kalyssa worked hard doing odd jobs around her neighborhood, in order to raise money to help underwrite the adoption fees of two animals at the Huachuca City Animal Shelters that were among the most difficult to place, according to shelter staff; plus she made enough to give a little extra to the families that will adopt either animal.

She stopped by the shelter during a "Clear the Shelter" event with a dog bed, nearly as big as she was and a gift bag filled with dog treats and care items. That was the just the first trip, the ambitious 7-year-old came back with more items for a cat, including a collar and leash and a litter box for a cat.

Thanks to Kalyssa's efforts Jeff, a pit bull mix and Amore, a senior black cat had a 'leg up' on other animals at the shelter. She felt that these two would be the most difficult animals to leave the shelter.

According to shelter staff the donation could not have come at a better time, as Jeff, the pitbull had come to the shelter as a stray and spent three months living in a 3-foot by 10-foot kennel; he found his forever family on Sunday, Dec. 9. Jeff's adoptive family was surprised and grateful to know that his adoption fee had been paid and that their new furry family member came with lots of goodies and supplies, all thanks to an enterprising 7-year-old.

7 year old Kalyssa White will be honored this Thursday evening at the City Council meeting of Huachuca City for her hard work and unselfish act of compassion, kindness and generosity to better our community.

Kalyssa inspires us all to be better citizens - no matter what our age.

On the search for new furry family member? Amore would be a 'purr’fect addition to any family. She is 12 years old, but comes with lots of goodies and remember her adoption fee has been paid - compliments of Kalyssa.

There will be another “Clear the Shelter” event at the Huachuca City Animal Shelter at 300 Howard St, Huachuca City, AZ 85616; from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 to Sunday, Dec. 16. All adoption fees will be 50 percent off.

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