Senior service project proves therapeutic for Fitch students

By AMANDA TONOLI

atonoli@vindy.com

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown Fitch High School students heard the final product of their senior service project barking from Room 202.

On Thursday, volunteers with K-9’s for Compassion, a nonprofit organization, visited the high school to provide stress-relieving companionship with their playful pups.

Seniors Maddie Scrocco, 17, and Sarah Obradovich, 18, spearheaded the project, inspired by their love for dogs.

Scrocco said during this stressful time of year – the short time span between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break – she saw this as an opportunity to help other students relax.

“I like seeing everybody’s day made a little bit brighter,” she said.

Scrocco, Obradovich and Principal Christopher Berni reached out to Dana Patrick, Austintown Elementary School teacher and K-9’s for Compassion volunteer, to make the project a success.

Obradovich said she was shocked at the tremendous turnout and was eager to see the final product of their fundraising efforts.

“I can’t believe how many kids there are,” Patrick said.

Obradovich said for the large number of students joining the festivities, there also was a large number of donations – those wanting to take part in the therapy dogs session had to donate at least $1 upon entering the room to play with the dogs.

“The more fundraising for the therapy dogs we do, the more we can help out other people, too,” Obradovich said.

Patrick and her 2-year-old dog, Reese, are involved in other community-outreach programs, including Tales to Tails at Austintown library, a program for children to read to therapy dogs.

“Why not spread the love? He [Reese] has a lot of love to go around,” Patrick said.

Nancy Leone, 12-year K-9 mentor, said she also enjoyed spreading the love with her 11-year-old schnauzer poodle, Meja, as part of her mission to use the companionship she was given in her time of need.

Leone had to undergo cancer treatment, and her dog at the time helped her through the difficult time.

“I would come home from chemotherapy and that dog would just be right there – they know,” Leone said.

Meja sat by Leone’s husband’s side twice through two bouts of leukemia. The second time the outcome looked grim – they were told there was nothing else to be done for him.

Leone said the drive home from the hospital that day was rough, until they received a call about a clinical trial in Chicago.

Meja joined the trip, sitting on laps and brightening moods.

“She got us through it,” Leone said.

Leone’s husband is still alive, and Meja is still visiting those who are sick, brightening moods in unfortunate health situations.