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When two kittens attempted to sneak inside the back door of the high school early one August morning, it triggered a series of events that eventually led to the district’s newest program, Rocket Rescue. Public Relations Director Tiffany Blazina was assisting with morning drop off supervision when the idea came to her.

After the cats were rescued from the building, Middle School Instructional Coach Ashley Frederick and Superintendent Tonya Driver, who were also on morning duty, held them while continuing to greet students as they entered the building. What happened next, Blazina said, was remarkable.

“In an instant, the students’ faces seemed to light up, and so many of them came over to pet the animals before continuing inside,” she said. “Even some of our students who may not consider themselves ‘morning people’ melted at the sight of the two kittens. It just seemed to make everyone’s morning more positive.”

That’s when the idea came to Blazina to reach out to Kristi Beavers, a local resident known for her love of animals and endless hours of volunteer work for the county’s animal shelters, to propose a partnership.

After some conversations and planning, Rocket Rescue Fridays was born. Each Friday, Beavers and other shelter volunteers will bring two pets up for adoption locally to the schools--one to the middle and high campus, and one to the elementary. The animals will rotate places, so that both car riders and walkers, and bus riders, will have a chance to meet them. 

Beavers said her goals with the program are to get good homes for the animals, help students and staff start their day off on a positive note, and educate the community on the love and companionship that shelter animals can provide, as well as the importance of spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation.

“I’m thrilled with this opportunity,” said Beavers. “It allows us to showcase our shelter pets and let people know these animals aren’t ‘broken,’ but rather, they just need a family to love and spend time with,” she continued. 

Beavers said she’s also excited to help students and staff have a great start to their days, which she knows can sometimes be busy and stressful. “Studies have proven that animals increase endorphins, which can make people happier, decrease stress, and lower anxiety,” said Beavers. “They’re good therapy for anyone!”

Last Friday, the school hosted its first Rocket Rescue day and the experience was just as Beavers and Blazina had envisioned. Students of all ages were surprised and excited to say hello to the first two visitors, Matthew Purry, a six month-old yellow tabby at Crittenden County Elementary School, and Lukas, a rescue dog, at the middle and high campus.

Junior Madison Walker started her day with some love from Lukas. “He brightened my mood,” smiled Walker. “My mornings are usually very busy and sometimes stressful. Seeing a furry friend like Lukas made it a great start.”

Lukas made an impact on more than just students that day; he also helped staff have a great morning. “What a perfect way to start our day!” said CCHS Special Education teacher Lori Glore. “Getting to love on Luke put a smile on my face!”

Lukas’ owner, Toyia Redd, another shelter volunteer, said Lukas came to the shelter after someone found him abandoned at Riverview Park on the river. Redd, already mom to four other shelter rescues, wanted a younger dog to grow up with the older ones, but had specific expectations for a pet who loved people, cats, other dogs, ducks, playing ball, swimming in the pond, and traveling.

“Luke checked all of those boxes,” she said. “I’m thankful we found each other. He needed a home, and we were looking for a good boy.”

Redd brought Luke to Rocket Rescue Friday to show others what great pets shelter animals make. 

“Their love is pure and unconditional,” she said. “My hope for this partnership is to show that shelter animals have lots to offer, and you don’t have to spend lots of money to get such love and joy from a pet.”