Iowa 5-year-old raises $5,000 to cover dog adoption fees before Christmas
By Pepper Purpura
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KNOXVILLE, Iowa (KCCI) — A central Iowa 5-year-old has reached his goal to help every dog at the Marion County Humane Society find a home before Christmas.
Tucker Bell raised $5,000 to cover the adoption fee for every dog at the shelter — making it easier for families to welcome a new four-legged friend home for the holidays.
The idea is rooted in Tucker’s belief that every dog deserves companionship.
“I bet they want someone to be with them… like a grown-up or something, or a kid,” he said.
Tucker and his family regularly volunteer at the shelter, walking dogs and spending time with animals who sometimes wait months, or even years — for a home. One of those dogs is Peggy Bon Bons, a friendly 6-year-old who has been at the shelter for about two years after her owner passed away.
Seeing dogs wait so long inspired Tucker to take action. Since Thanksgiving, he’s raised money by selling hot chocolate and his mom’s homemade treats.
“All of it was Tucker’s idea,” said Leslie Vanderlinden, president of the Marion County Humane Society. “He’s raised enough money to cover all of our adoption expenses for our dogs.”
In total, Tucker raised $5,000 — enough to waive adoption fees for all dogs at the shelter in time for Christmas.
Now his mother is promoting another message through her social media:
“He now has an even bigger favor to ask of you,” she wrote. “Could you open up the possibility of adoption in your heart?”
Tucker hopes families will visit the shelter, consider adoption, and give these dogs the second chance they deserve. And if you do decide to adopt, he’d love to meet you at the shelter and shake your hand.
So, if you’re on the fence about bringing home a Christmas canine, Tucker has a simple message: “You need a puppy.”
The Marion County Humane Society will maintain its regular hours leading up to Christmas but will be closed on Christmas Day. Anyone interested in adopting can stop by before then.
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