DEL CITY, Okla. – A local pet rescue is hoping to change more than just a dog’s life next month.
On May 20, 2013, Zandria Hannigan felt sick.
Her family picked her up from Plaza Towers Elementary School and took her home, thinking maybe a little bed rest would do the trick.
A short time later, tornado sirens began to sound.
Zandria, her three siblings and her mother hid in their home’s bathroom as the massive EF-5 tornado barreled down upon their community.
Once the storm had passed, they realized their home was a total loss.
Zandria learned the twister had also hit her school, killing seven of her classmates, including her best friend.
The Hannigans slowly began picking up the pieces but it seems emotional scars are much harder to heal.
The Red Dirt Boxer Rescue heard about Zandria’s struggles and decided to change two lives.
The group contacted the family about adopting a boxer, in hopes the dog can help Zandria recover from the traumatic experience and show why they’re called “man’s best friend.”
The family said they had considered adopting a Boxer but simply could not afford the $500 pet deposit needed to have pets at the family’s home.
The rescue reached out to volunteers, who have been raising the funds to cover the deposit and provide all the necessities.
So far, the group has raised $250.
It has also received a crate, food and water dishes, a collar and leash and dog food.
Officials with the group say the dog is free.
The group hopes to have the full amount raised by its ‘Hawgs For Hounds’ fundraiser, which will be held on June 7 at Ray Trent Park in Del City.
The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.