Members of the University of Central Florida community “rented” dogs for a good cause Wednesday during Rent-A-Pup, a monthly event that gives attendees the opportunity to play with rescued pets.
UCF students, faculty and staff walked and played with a dog for 15 or 20-minute intervals, a treat for students who live in campus residence halls and pet-free apartments.
There were more than 200 rentals during the four-hour event, which is a partnership between Honors Educational Reach Out, a civic engagement program at Burnett Honors College, and Pet Rescue by Judy.
The monthly event is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to donate what they can. More than $180 was raised Wednesday for a student project to raise funds for surgery for one of Pet Rescue by Judy’s animals, Queen Belle.
Rent-A-Pup also plays a role in the rehabilitation of the animals, many of which were abused, ill, injured or abandoned before being rescued. All of the dogs present at the events also are up for adoption.
“I love volunteering at this event because I feel like I’m making a difference,” said Kelsey McKeon, a second-year marketing major and HERO volunteer. “It makes the students and the animals so happy to take part in it.”
To watch a video, click here.
Those interested in more information about volunteering with Honors Educational Reach Out can visit https://honors.ucf.edu/ or email hero@ucf.edu.