Isn’t She Lovely…
by John Flores
A few weeks ago, I received an email from Priceless Pet’s Director of Communications, Miss Ashlee Price, about helping out an 8th grade girl for her career project…
Her name was Emma. You see, not only is she a volunteer at Priceless Pets but Emma has been so inspired by them that she now wants to have her own no-kill animal rescue. We had been emailing back and forth for weeks. She had sent Ashlee a list of questions to help her with her project and she put together quite the board planning out high school, college and what exactly goes into a non-profit like Priceless Pets. Emma is not in it for any financial gain but because she truly loves these animals. She knew about every dog at The Orphanage and was well aware of the number of animals that get euthanized daily. In fact she may have been the only kid in her class that knew what the word “euthanized” meant! It’s such a cool thing to hear an 8th grader tell her peers the importance of spay and neutering!
On the days leading up to her presentation I could tell she was getting more and more excited. She knew Elvis was coming, along with Toby the Beagle aka “The Perfect Dog” (why he hasn’t been adopted is beyond me!) and her personal request, little Skipper! I had asked another volunteer, Sharon, to assist me and we made sure to have the dogs ready for that day. The day of her presentation, we were standing outside of the school when we were informed that the proper paperwork hadn’t been filled out to allow dogs to come into the classroom. We decided to tell Emma ourselves. Thankfully, it was an overcast and cool day so we were able to put the dogs back in the van (yes, all the windows were open and it was a hoodie kind of day.) and waited for Emma.
When she saw us without the dogs, I could see the disappointment in her eyes. As soon as I told her the dogs wouldn’t be coming with us, the tears started to come down. Her principal explained the situation but we told Emma we had a few minutes so we would still go with her and help her with her presentation. I could tell she was trying not to cry and the more she tried the worse it got. My heart seriously broke for her. When we got to her classroom, Emma was doing her best to compose herself. When it came time to do her presentation, she could barely talk. After a few nudges by Sharon, I stepped in and explained to the class why she was so upset. And my words were, “Emma is a little upset because part of her presentation was to bring in some of the rescue dogs and she feels like she let everyone down. So if she told any of you that the dogs were coming just know they are here but due to a couple of technicalities they aren’t allowed in. And because Emma didn’t want to let you down, we are honoring her request by inviting whoever wants to come to the shelter so you can see all the dogs and cats! I’ll even get you guy’s pizza so just look at this as the 1st part of her presentation!” The class actually clapped for her and her face lit up with the biggest smile! She was able to finish her presentation and we were very impressed with the amount of preparation and information she was sharing! We answered a couple questions after and they clapped for Emma again!
Afterwards, her teacher and principal allowed her to come with us to the van so she could see the dogs! She got to take some pictures and we got to talk to this very impressionable young girl a little more. I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting her parents but they have every reason to be proud of her. In fact, I’m having her join Team IPittytheBull at the Priceless Pets Pittie Crew Pack Walk! She will be my assistant in helping walk Penny and Elvis!
By the way, when we asked Emma what she wanted her next dog to be, she simply answered, “a pittie”. Emma, if you’re reading this I just want you to know that I’m super proud of you and I feel very honored to have met you and been able to help you with such a big presentation! Your heart is as big as your determination! Keep being the example!!
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Thank you! What a lovely article! Thank you so much for taking our grandddaughter, Emma under your caring wings. She is a special girl. Her love of all animals runs deep. Both her Papa and I are so very proud of her.
We had the opportunity to vist the Orphanage while vising them this Spring. I was blown away….what an amazing facility.
Whether Emma is visiting us on the farm, tending her animals at home, or voluteering at Priceless Pets, I can guarantee that Emma is doing what she loves to do.
Blessings, Chris and Mark Haag
Emma is a great friend to everybody. I dont know a single person who doesnt love her to death. She is the kind of person that you can always count on to bring a smile on your face when u are down on tough days. I’ve known her since 6th grade and i can tell u that she is my dearest friend because of her love and dedication to help others. She continues to inspire me :). Emma keep doing what you’re doing to make a differece. Your presentation was still so amazinng because you stayed strong like the Emma that i know and love. Way to go Emma!
Well said, Isabella!
This girl is amazing! Seeing someone so young with such passion is heartwarming!