Sequim: Diary of a youngster’s community service at the animal shelter, and the limping dog she came to love

SEQUIM — Annie Lute had a job to do, and was anything but eager to do it.

But the 15-year-old’s heart was stolen after just a few hours with a canine in crisis.

“For the Family Health (class) community volunteer project I chose to put my ten hours in at the Clallam County ASPCA shelter in Port Angeles. When I first arrived I was hoping that the project would go by as fast as it took me to walk two steps.

“As I proceeded into the project I realized that this is a possibility that is where I will be spending my summer vacation.”

This is a story about a girl, a dog, a school project — and a lesson in life many never experience.

Annie, who turns 16 today, began her freshman year at Sequim High School last September, adjusting to a move from California with her mother, Jann Hagemann.

Facing predictable pre-adolescent angst while trying to fit in at a new school, Annie was less than enthused when her Family Health teacher, Sue Garrison, announced a 10-hour service project to be completed outside of school.

“Annie wasn’t excited,” Garrison said.

“She said, ‘I don’t want to work with people!’ So I suggested the Humane Society.”

Annie made arrangements through executive director Vicky Wilson to put in two days of part-time work at the Port Angeles shelter.

——————-

The rest of the story appears in the Tuesday Peninsula Daily News.

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