Meet Alyssa, A First-Grade Fundraiser
First-grade fundraiser Alyssa Doerrler with ambassador dogs Chris, Bobbie, and Saxon.
Ms. Josey Shannon’s first grade class loves it when Southeastern Guide Dogs ambassador dogs Saxon and Bobbie come to school. Williams Elementary School in Parrish has welcomed the dogs for years, and when kids read to the dogs, they relax. Struggling readers feel the coziness of a soft dog, creating a positive reading experience. And young students learn all about guide dogs and service dogs.
“They love it,” said Ms. Shannon. “I had a little girl who was terrified of dogs and now she lays all over them and enjoys reading.”
After getting to know Saxon and Bobbie, the first graders at Williams chose Southeastern Guide Dogs for a community outreach project, Alyssa Doerrler joined her classmates in raising funds for the school and for the Bradenton Walkathon. Alyssa’s dad recently brought her to our campus to drop off the money she raised.
“I have money in my hand for the guide dogs,” she said. “I was going around the neighborhood asking people if they wanted to give money to the dogs. We read to them; they’re fuzzy and we like to snuggle.”
We appreciate Alyssa, her classmates, and Williams Elementary. We also appreciate volunteers Anne Brown and Nick Olson, Saxon’s and Bobbie’s handlers, who share their time and their dogs to share the mission of Southeastern Guide Dogs.
