PSA’s Youngest Volunteer Turns Lemonade Into Lifelines In Marietta
Some stories remind you why community matters. This summer in Marietta, elementary student Autumn Hughes decided the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley needed help and went to work. Two lemonade stands near the former Putnam School in Devola, support from Texas Roadhouse, and a result everyone can feel. Nearly twelve hundred dollars raised. A beagle named Baxter adopted. Baxter was also the first stray dog safely recovered under the new Pet Search Alliance banner, and we could not be happier with the outcome for him. Watch the capture video at the top of this page to see the moment it all came together.
Watch Baxter’s capture
See the exact moment Baxter was brought to safety during a PSA operation. The short clip shows calm handling, controlled equipment, and the quick checks we do before transport. Share this with your kids or classroom to show how patience and planning lead to safe recoveries.
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Caption: Baxter’s safe capture by Pet Search Alliance.
Alt text: Video of Baxter’s safe capture by Pet Search Alliance in Marietta Ohio.
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What she did and why it matters
Autumn heard that HSOV was packed with dogs and cats. She set a goal, organized her stands, and invited the community to pitch in. The takeaway is simple. Clear cause. Simple ask. Visible impact. Local coverage recognized her effort and the adoption of Baxter.
Why PSA is highlighting her
Autumn is our youngest volunteer. She did more than raise money. She has already shared practical tips with us that help when we work stray cases. A child who watches, listens, and notices patterns can add value on the ground. Extra sets of eyes. Better placement ideas for signs. What to say when a scared dog appears. Small observations can lead to the sighting that closes a case.
The impact behind the dollars
Here is what a kid powered fundraiser can cover for Pet Search Alliance during an active search:
Fuel to reach sightings fast across the Mid Ohio Valley
Batteries and charging for thermal drones
Trail camera data plans
Bait and supplies for Missy Traps and box traps
Basic vet checks and recovery gear
That is how donations turn into safe recoveries in our area.
Autumn’s example for other families
If your child wants to help, start small and make it real. Autumn chose a familiar corner near an old school site. She used a short message and involved one local business. That formula is repeatable in any neighborhood. Media recognition followed, which amplified the cause and inspired more giving.
Kid friendly mini fundraisers that work
Lemonade or cocoa stand with one QR code for local Humane Society
Garage table with pay what you can items that benefit the Humane Society
Bake sale at a church or youth event with a simple Humane Society Sign
Birthday drive that funds a specific need.
Tips for parents
Keep an adult at the cash box
Use one donation link or QR code to avoid confusion
Take one photo with permission, then show kids exactly what their dollars purchased for the next case
Field notes from PSA
Stray and skittish dogs move fast and often avoid people. The wins come from patience and pattern mapping. That is where community tips matter most. Autumn’s attention to detail helped us refine how and where we place cameras and when we set a live trap. One tip can change everything. If you have seen a loose dog and are not sure what to do, use our Report a Tip page and tell us when, where, and what you observed. A single detail can connect the dots.
About Baxter
Autumn did not just raise money. She also adopted Baxter from HSOV after he was safely recovered. Baxter was the first stray dog brought in under the new Pet Search Alliance banner. His adoption is the heart of this story. See a need. Take action. Give one dog a home. We are thrilled with his outcome.
Call to action
Support Autumn’s momentum. Donate to PSA or start your own kid powered mini fundraiser. Your gift keeps our drones in the air, our traps operational, and our teams moving.
