Nine-year-old McKen- sie Ashner, of Coplay, loves animals - especially cats. She set up a hot chocolate stand in December 2017 at her great-grandparents’ Christmas display on Schoenersville Road to raise money to help a cat.

She was able to raise $50.

Her father, who knew of a Take a Pet to Dinner program, took her to Animals In Distress, in Coopersburg. Some people cannot have a pet due to allergies or landlord issues - or perhaps they already have other pets at home. People can sponsor a cat or dog for a donation of $10 a month. They will receive a photo and story about one of the dogs or cats currently living in the shelter, with updates sent throughout the year.

McKensie’s father surprised her by telling her she could sponsor a cat for five months in the Take a Pet to Dinner program. When she visited the cat wing, she fell in love with a young cat named Jane and decided to sponsor Jane with the money she raised. She was so proud to donate the $50.

McKensie received a photograph and story about Jane. She has pet dogs at home and now can have a kitten to call her own.

McKensie, along with her mother, recently attended the shelter’s volunteer orientation and visits Jane quite often.