(WMAR) — Pamela Cobo, a volunteer with Harford County Humane Society, reached out to Harford County Public Schools with an idea, called "balls for dogs."
The goal, to take unused balls within the school system and donate those to dogs at the Humane Society. Six Harford County schools responded: Aberdeen High, Aberdeen Middle, Bel Air High, Center for Educational Opportunity, Edgewood Middle and Hickory Elementary.
The physical education teachers and students went through their athletic balls and gathered up all the ones that were unusable and would have otherwise been thrown out, and donated the balls to the Humane Society of Harford County.
“Volunteering with the dogs at the Humane Society of Harford County is one of the most satisfying things I do with my free time,” said Ms. Cobo. “I am so grateful to HCPS for agreeing to share their used basketball and soccer balls with the pups. I hope to be able to continue this collaboration for many years to come.”
In all, more than 50 soccer and basketballs are now being used in play time for dogs who call the Humane Society home.
“Daily walks and physical activity, such as playing with a soccer ball or basketball, provide dogs with physical and mental stimulation,” said Cat Kelly, shelter operations director at the Humane Society. “Playtime at the shelter has an important role in relieving boredom and stress, which can make a major difference in a dog’s daily life.”