Dec 9, 2016 By Harry Funk 3 min read

Kids have a natural affinity for pets.

“I like that they’re sweet and that they’re a good friend to have,” Memorial Elementary School fourth-grader Jet Rudar explained.

He’s a good friend in return, volunteering with his mother, Heather, at Angel Ridge Animal Rescue in Chartiers Township.

“We go out at least twice a month, walk dogs, give baths, play with cats, clean cat cages and help socialize the cats, because some of them are feral,” Heather said.

She also co-chairs Memorial PTA’s Fourth Grade Activity Committee, which was seeking a beneficiary for the students’ annual Pay It Forward project in December. Her suggestion was Angel Ridge, and her colleagues agreed.

The Bethel Park school is hosting an Angel Tree for the shelter as part of its annual program that places artificial trees in businesses and public places. The trees are decorated with ornaments with a photo of a rescued dog, cat or horse on one side and its “wish list” on the other.

Memorial students made hundreds of ornaments for display on the tree, and their families have provided generously for the welfare of the animals.

“The response has been over the moon,” Heather said. “I was a little worried, and they laugh at me now: ‘What were you worried about?’ I’ve taken three full truckloads out of here. My garage is full.”

On Dec. 17, a group of fourth-graders will help deliver the goods – including pet food, cat litter, dog collars, toys, blankets and cleaning supplies – to Angel Ridge.

Many of the supplies arrived during the school’s annual holiday festival on Dec. 1. It’s a free event, but families were encouraged to bring donations.

This is the eighth year for Pay It Forward, which was started by teacher Jim Foster and is wholeheartedly supported by his fellow fourth-grade instructors, Melissa Hruby and Toddy Reese, and by Memorial principal Eric Chalus. Previous efforts included toy drives, collecting gently used books and supporting the national Stockings for Soldiers project.

As for the Rudars, their support of Angel Ridge extends to fostering animals at their home until other families take them for pets. Three cats are with them now: Marley, Ziggy and Tosh, apparently named by a big-time reggae fan.

“They’re ready to be adopted,” Heather said. “They’re fixed. They’re all vetted.”

And the kids will love ’em.

For more information about Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, visit www.angelridgeanimalrescue.org.