Vera Garabedian is Girl Scout Cadette who recently completed her project to earn her Silver Award.

“I chose to make and donate rattle toys for the rabbits at the Pasadena Humane Society,” she wrote. “This project reinforced my love for helping animals.”

Garabedian learned that “research is key in preparing any project that I want to tackle.” She did the initial exploration online looking for more information, then called local animal shelters.

“I learned that, in my area, there are about 10 different shelters,” she wrote.

These include the Burbank Animal Shelter, Glendale Humane Society, Kitten Rescue of LA and the Pasadena Humane Society.

“I decided to work with Pasadena Humane Society because they have bunnies at their shelter, which I wanted to help and learn about,” she wrote.

She discovered that animal shelters and humane societies are non-profit organizations that rely on the help and donations from the public. They also protect animals from cruelty. Animals are very sensitive and need special foods; therefore the toys Garabedian made had to be safe for the rabbits.

“With my cookie fundraising money, I was able to purchase timothy hay, brown paper lunch bags, apple wood sticks, twine and paper towel rolls,” she wrote.

She phoned local grocery stores that allowed her to post an informational flyer explaining the project.

“I was happy that I can do my small part and help the bunnies by making safe treats for them to enjoy,” she wrote.

Anyone who would like to help the PHS program can contact their Outreach Coordinator Michelle Holbrook at (626) 792-7151 ext. 114, or email her at outreach@pasadenahumane.org.