I first heard about Pups for Peace from the Rabbi of my shul in Stamford, Connecticut. He knew someone from his previous congregation that had raised $10,000 for Pups for Peace as their Bat Mitzvah chesed project. I decided I was also going to take that challenge. I knew it would not be easy, but I was determined to do something for world peace. At first it was very hard getting donations, since very few people in the community had heard about Pups for Peace. I was constantly explaining the reason for this very worthwhile organization. Writing an article for the local Jewish newspaper, sending letters to friends and relatives, having a bake sale on election day, setting up a booth at our shul mitzvah fair, putting an ad on our community’s Jewish web site and other fundraisers helped raise the community’s awareness of the need for bomb sniffing dogs. I also made Tzedukah (charity) boxes in the shape of dog houses. I placed them in a variety of places in and around the Stamford community. I even put one in a gift shop in Boston.

The thermometer I made to show the progress of my campaign slowly began to rise. I was both anxious and very excited when I knew I only needed $2,000 more to reach my goal. On the day of my Bat Mitzvah, I announced during my speech that I was very close to my goal. I also announced the name of my pup (assuming I would raise the final $2,000). Pups for Peace was also the theme of my party. I gave out dog hats and PFP t-shirts to all my friends. After my party, I started to count the checks people gave me as gifts.  So many people put an extra check in the envelope for Pups for Peace. On December 28th I reached my goal. There are no words to express the excitement that ran through my entire body.

When I first began to raise money for PFP, my grandparents promised they would take me to Israel to meet and name my pup if I reached my goal. The day finally arrived. It was Wednesday morning February 21st,and we got to the old bus station in Netania. “Where is my pup?” I thought, “Which one is she?” Within minutes of our arrival and with butterflies in my stomach, I watched a handler walk towards me with a black german lab mix. She was beautiful. I was so excited when the handler said, “Sara, this is your pup.” I think my grandparents got a little teary eyed. I played with her, gave her some toys and enjoyed every minute of my time with her. I even got to place a small amount of tnt on one of the buses to see if my dog could find it.  When she found it, I experienced such warm feelings knowing that I had contributed to helping with the security in our world. I even had the honor of meeting the California officers sent to Israel from homeland security to train with the pups. They made me feel very special by complimenting me on my hard work and all that I did to raise the money. We all had lunch together, and I made a speech expressing my appreciation to everyone who made this special day possible.

I chose to name my pup Chaiya Yona. Chaiya means life, and Yona means dove which represents peace. A life of peace is what I wish for all my brothers and sisters in Israel!