South Cobb High Students Help Local Strays Find Good Homes

Stray, abused and deformed animals have found their way to the loving arms of students at . These dogs and cats were facing the eyes of death but were rescued and now have companions and a safe home.

The animals have found permanent shelter through Boggs' Dogs, a service club open to all students at the high school who have an interest in caring for them. Through fundraising such as bake sales, about 60 students have helped provide resources for 12 to 15 dogs and cats each year, including foster homes which typically lead to adoption.

"They do try to get them all homes," said Rhonda Sykes, the club's adviser who is also a science teacher at South Cobb High.

Sykes is making a push to expand Boggs' Dogs in as many Cobb County schools as possible, she said. The club began at South Cobb High in 2007 and has since  reached 20 schools in the county.  She'd like for it to branch out into Cherokee and Bartow counties.

"My dream is to have it in every school in America," Sykes said. "We want to focus on proper pet care."

Students have found foster homes for these animals by spreading their passion through word-of-mouth, social networking sites and through the club's sponsor Homeless Pets Foundation.

A couple of weeks ago after school, club members gathered around Carly Jane, a small white poodle whose hind legs are deformed. Carly Jane has undergone two surgeries to correct the misshape, thanks to the help from club members. For now Carly Jane is walking on her knees, but the goal is to get her up on her paws.

"Very slowly her legs are straightening and turning the right way," Sykes said.

Through the club, science teacher Malinda Metts fostered Lexie, a thin Jack Russell terrier, for nearly four months when she decided to keep her permanently.

"I can't imagine being mean to them, they're like children,"  she said. "I messed around and fell in love. Now she's nice and juicy."

The name Boggs' Dogs is derived from Beth Boggs, a deceased South Cobb High teacher who was an avid animal rescuer.  The club has become a learning experience for all since a handful of other teachers have since opened their homes.

Jackie Medley, South Cobb High school counselor and club adviser, said the club focuses on animal education by inviting guest speakers into the school to discuss proper pet handling and care.

"We want to educate them to be responsible owners," she said. "We want to change the pattern where dogs are put on leashes and left outside 24/7 and to hammer the importance of annual wellness."

When Dodson mix Lucy was rescued from having her snout zip-tied shut, Breanna Mote, 14, became even more involved in the club.

"To know that we helped with that makes me feel nice," said Mote, a freshman. "There really are a lot of animals in need, and other schools can help decrease the amount of abandoned dogs and cats."