Page 3 - Kind News, September/October 2022

HUMANE HERO

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Lia Pusterla's mother works as a veterinarian for After Lia and her family help everyone
pets of people experiencing homelessness in standing in line, they bag things up and walk the
OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP: BIGSTOCK/NEW AFRICA; DOGS BOND; BIGSTOCK/NYNKEVAN HOLTEN; BIGSTOCK/PAUL SPARKS;
downtown Sacramento, CA. While driving through streets to find those in need—and encounter big
the area, Lia had an idea. Maybe she could help smiles along the way. “Toys are usually the first
them and their pets. “I know how much animals thing people take out and start using,” Lia says.
mean to people,” Lia says. “They help people deal Some start crying happy tears, relieved that they
with difficult things.” can provide a good meal for their pets. She
Lia knew that not all organizations that help remembers one man who went from grumpy
people have resources to help pets, so she decided to grateful when he saw that she had something
to launch a project to collect basic pet supplies. Her for his dog.
mother helped spread the word on social media. Last year, Lia branched out to help residents in
Soon, people in the community were dropping off a nearby town when a wildfire burned over a
dog and cat food and flea medication in her million acres. She packed her family’s SUV with
driveway. They also gave money, which Lia uses to dog food, drinks for people, and gift cards. Now
(RAJA APP IMAGES) BRYAN HUFF. THIS PAGE: REDROVER program, she hands out supplies directly to pet small bag of food makes a big difference. It shows
12 years old, Lia has learned many lessons from
buy pet treats and toys after holidays when those
helping those in need. The biggest one? “Even a
items are on clearance. Through a church-based
that someone cares for them.”
owners in need.

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WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU MIX A BULL WITH AN OPOSSUM? Sept/Oct 2022 | 3
RIDDLE RAT!
(answer on p. 7)