Just in time for colder temperatures, the pets of six families that struggle to provide shelter for them are receiving dog houses built by Cuero Junior High shop students.
The project, called Cozy Critters, is spearheaded by senior NHS student Kemper Tieken.
'This project is a winwin for everyone involved,' Tieken said. 'The shop students get hands-on experience, and pets in our community receive much-needed shelter.”
The two-year project, called the Cozy Critters Initiative, saw collaboration between Tieken and the junior high shop class that result- ed in two shelters last year and six this year. Tieken plans to expand the project and establish Cozy Critters as a non-profit organization.
Tieken plans to expand the project and establish Cozy Critters as a nonprofit organization
“I've always loved animals, and I couldn't stand the thought of pets living without proper shelter,' Kemper said. 'When I learned about the difficulties some families face in caring for their pets, I knew I wanted to do something to help.'
The project garnered support from key figures, including Cuero High School teacher and NHS Coordinator Denys McCarter, Cuero Junior High teacher Shelby Vandenberg, Lauger Construction’s Corbin Lauger and Ful-O-Pep’s Greg Gossett. Lauger Construction and Ful-O-Pep Ranch and Garden Center donated to the initiative.
The City of Cuero’s Animal Control Officer Nicole Cox received the dog houses on December 11 and is distributing them to families. She said some heelers, a Staffordshire terrier and even a husky will receive the dog shelters made of solid particle board.
The eighth-grade Shop II students who built the dog houses also created the design.
“We started with the two large ones and realized we needed to scale it down,” shop teacher Vandenberg said. She assured Tieken that next year’s students will be ready to make more shelters.
Tieken (who managed sponsorships, procured materials, and coordinated with animal control for distribution) sees potential follow-up projects, including hay and blanket drives to provide bedding for the houses.
Cozy Critters stands as a shining example of student initiative, cross-departmental collaboration, and community engagement that just may keep tails wagging for years to come.
