Mount Pulaski five-year-old gives lemonade stand proceeds to homeless dogs and cats

 

[September 22, 2018] 

While the 90 degree heat squashed the fall mood this weekend, it did yield some positive influence. Sales during the Mount Pulaski Fall Festival were brisk at Norah Burgard's lemonade stand.

Norah's mom, Ashley, helped the five-year-old make her lemonade. Norah's stand was made by her father and it has been used on other occasions as well to raise funds that have gone into her piggy bank.

The past weekend was a huge success and Ashley noticed Norah's bank was getting pretty full. She suggested to Norah maybe it was time to count how much money was in it.

Well, all those lemonade sales added up and there was $185.

Norah says she would like to be a dog trainer and a cat trainer when she grows up.

Asked what she wanted to do with the funds, Norah wanted to help kitties and dogs that need it. The family contacted the Humane Society of Logan County and asked what their needs were.

Both mom and dad work for the Mount Pulaski School District, Ashley as a preschool teacher and Troy teaches shop at the high school. This week they are on half-days due to the heat.

On Tuesday the family made a trip to Wal-Mart and filled a basket. Norah and her little sister Morgan chose all sorts of good things for both the cats and dogs - food, treats and even toys, and some supplies for the shelter.

Wednesday was the big day. Following a special lunch out, the family headed to the Humane Society in Lincoln with their abundant delivery.

Once all the goods were brought in from car, the girls were eager to see the pets.

First was a trip back to the dog kennels where the big dogs are kept. It was so loud with happy, attention getting barking, Norah covered her ears.

Then every pet room window was peered into. A pair of leaping young dogs made the girls giggle each time their heads popped up in the window.

More time was spent with the quieter more laidback kitties. Norah and Morgan enjoyed stroking their soft fur, talking to the cats and kittens, and seeing them play.

Morgan had carried a bag of treats in, held on to it the whole time and really wanted to open it to give some out. She was a good girl and listened to her mom that it was better to let the shelter decide when to give the treats.

The family has one six-year-old dog at home and Norah would like a kitty one day. It is easy to see that with such a kind heart and clear resolve at the tender age of five, Norah will make a great trainer and more, even before she grows up.

[Jan Youngquist]