Bethel Park High School sophomores Emma Clouston and Adrienne Hofbauer are on a mission to support veterans, one rescue dog at a time.
The pair spoke Friday at the annual Veterans Breakfast at St. Clair Country Club in Upper St. Clair, sharing their work with K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains and places rescue dogs with veterans. Training, raising, and placing a single dog costs approximately $75,000.
“This is a perfect way for us to express our appreciation for an organization that works so closely to support our veterans,,” Clouston said.
The project holds personal meaning for both students, each of whom has a sibling in the military. Hofbauer’s brother, Aaron, is a sophomore at West Point. Clouston’s sister, Katie, enrolled in ROTC at Slippery Rock University.
“As military family members, Emma and I are both very passionate about supporting those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Hofbauer said. “This walk is one small way to give back.”
The students have been working on the project since the start of the school year and have raised more than $600 toward a $2,000 goal. All proceeds go directly to the organization.
Clouston and Hofbauer will host a community dog walk from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the South Park Gazebo. The event will feature food trucks, raffle baskets, and gift cards. Donations have been received from several community businesses, including Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sarris Candies, Eat’n Park, Chick-fil-A, and Pet Supplies Plus, among others.