Navigator Academy of Leadership student Lhia Mallol, 13, loves dogs.
She loves them so much, her mother gave her a black and white dog, which Lhia named Oreo.
Oreo, and his care, became the center of Mallol’s world, which resulted in an outreach that helped many dogs have better lives.
Mallol thought the dog her mother brought home one day was for her sister. Then she found out the cute new pet was for her.
“I immediately started crying,” said Mallol.
She didn’t believe it was real.
“I always wanted a dog,” Mallol said. “Ever since I knew what one was. Ever since kindergarten. I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian and care for animals.”
It took a while for Mom to give in to the dog and his care.
“It was when I was ready,” Mom Maria said. “Because you know it’s always us taking care of the pets. I always had pets growing up.”
Her daughter proved her wrong.
“I’ve always taken care of my dog,” said Lhia. “I would hang out with him all day on that cot before we had a bedroom for him.”
Navigator counselor Kirsten Cruz spoke with students about their high school choices, including in Mallol’s Leader in Me class. She also encouraged students to stop by her office to discuss their future.
“Lhia was the first to jump out of her chair and ask what time she could come,” said Cruz. “I could tell she was an enthusiastic and driven student. She lit up stating that she would love to work with rescuing dogs one day and that that is the reason that she is going to Ridge Community High School, to be part of their Vet Tech academy.”
The two talked about another student who became involved with animal shelters and another student who helped a military organization.
They talked for an entire class period.
“I asked Miss Cruz what I could do to start my experience with dogs now,” said Lhia.
Mallol found several rescues online. One with a touching story won her over.
Her efforts were unexpected.
“I categorized Lhia as any other teenager that would go home and “get to the research” when she could, but Lhia proved exactly the opposite,” said Cruz. “She was at my office door the very next day with pages and pages of rescues, shelters, their contact information, and a synopsis of what each do and their needs. I was blown away. From that point, I brought the proposal to do this to our principal and had her meet with Lhia.”
The three decided on a nearby rescue Hunters Creek and reached out to them.
“They too, were blown away that a 13-year-old child had come up with the initiative to collect items for their rescue and were more than obliged to accept the partnership,” said Cruz.
Mallol got started.
Mallol used an in-school application, called “Class Dojo,’ to get the word out to parents and students to donate new or used dog treats, toys, collars, used or new.
“We got a lot of toys,” said Mallol. “I was so happy. I was so happy to see all the little kids caring about the dogs and the parents encouraging that care. I went around collecting at another elementary and some around middle school.”
Mallol was also a giver.
“I donated my own stuff from my own dog,” Mallol said.
Cruz is proud of Mallol.
“As a Leader in Me school, Lhia embodies the character we tirelessly try to teach. She used her talent and intelligence to push forward her passion and in return truly learned that you are never too young to make an impact on this world. We are beyond proud of her and look forward to seeing where she will go and in the future. She truly is a special leader!”