This is the week
to give presents to pets

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

It’s no secret that little girls love kittens and puppy dogs. One such lass has taken that affection to a whole new level.
On the second day of school, Jessica Rigefsky, 8, approached Solis-Cohen vice principal Michelle Byruch and explained her idea to collect items to help the pets at the SPCA.
Byruch, who had adopted her dog Curly from the shelter, was likewise enthusiastic and declared that this week — Oct. 15 to 19 — would be Presents for Pets Week at the school, located at Tyson Avenue and Horrocks Street.
Jessica kicked off the schoolwide pet-supply drive, taking the auditorium stage with her dog Buddy, whom the family adopted from the SPCA a year and a half ago, and her mom Lisa Rigefsky. (Dad Jeremy was in the audience.)
The third-grader accepted the microphone from Byruch and asked her schoolmates to bring in old towels, blankets, unopened food and toys for the animals still awaiting adoption.
A film about the SPCA and its work then followed.
Jessica wasn’t quite sure when she hatched the idea to help the animals at the shelter.
"I just thought it would be a nice thing for the pets, to keep them warm," she said.
While her buddy Buddy doesn’t sleep with her, Jessica’s eyes lit up when she talked about her cat Chloe, who’s 8 like she is.
"Chloe has her own little bed but she jumps up on my bed sometimes," Jessica said.
Her vice principal was very impressed.
"It’s amazing. I’m very proud of her," Byruch said.
The folks at the SPCA think just as highly of the third-grader.
"The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Education program is central to our mission as an animal welfare organization, so we are thrilled to see Jess encouraging her entire elementary school and community to take an active interest in the animals in our shelter through Solis-Cohen’s pet-supply drive," said Jennifer Richichi, SPCA director of humane education. "We hope that both Jess and the parents, teachers and students participating in the drive know how much our staff and animals appreciate their donations." ••
Donations of pet food, clean or new blankets and towels, and pet toys can be dropped off at the Solis-Cohen Elementary School, 7001 Horrocks St. For more information on the SPCA, call Emily Simmons at 215-426-6300, Ext. 265, or send e-mail to esimmons@pspca.org
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com