By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Helena Elementary School students have received more than just lessons in learning the past two weeks. They also learned about compassion and helping others, or in this case, puppies.

Two weeks ago, four puppies were abandoned at Helena Elementary School counselor Maegan Vick’s mother’s house. After discussing what to do, they reached out to the local non-profit animal rescue Two by Two Animal Rescue in Helena.

Sonya King, founder of Two By Two Animal Rescue, was more than willing to help and she immediately started searching for the perfect foster home for the puppies.

After hearing about the incident, HES Principal Mary Cooper allowed students to have a “Helping Animals Helena Hat Day” to help raise money for the puppies’ fostering fees.

“The students, parents and HES faculty members were so invested in wanting to help animals through Two by Two Animal Rescue,” said Vick. “Many students asked their teachers if they could bring in money to help the animals, even if they didn’t want to wear a hat.”

A collaborative effort by teachers, parents and students resulted in an amount of $600 raised during the fundraiser. This was enough to cover medical care and fostering needs for all four puppies and $100 extra to help another animal.

Mrs. Vick took the puppies to their foster home Sunday, Jan. 11. She then shared pictures with HES students so they could see the puppies they saved through their fundraiser.

The lady who is fostering them, Anna Heflin, explained that the puppies would all get micro chipped, spayed/neutered and receive their vaccinations before going on the website for adoption.

“Helena is the most giving community,” said Vick. “We have so many families that have a heart for helping others, animals included. HES faculty members and parents love that our students care about servicing the community in which they live. It is a true testament to the great community of Helena.”

To learn more about Two by Two Animal Rescue you can visit the organization’s website at Twobytworescue.com.