Riley Ritchie's Bat Mitzvah Project

Hi Families and Friends,

 

Ever since I was little, I had a love and passion for dogs. When I think of dogs, I think of family, my furry friends. Dogs don’t care if you are smart, cool, pretty, weird, etc. because they will love you for who you are no matter what! Dogs just want to be loved and cared for, and they will give you unconditional love. I actually have two dogs at home. Their names are Stormy and Shiloh. Stormy and Shiloh might get into trouble, but at the end of the day, they are my best furry friends. Dogs are so loyal, caring, cute, lovable and so much more.

When I was a little girl, my mom used to do a “Yes” Day, and I loved a “YES” day as that meant I would be able to ask to go play with dogs, and my mom couldn’t say no. I loved playing with all the different dogs. I always wanted to take more dogs home. When I was asked to think of a Bat Mitzvah project, this was an easy decision. Since I am going to Israel this April, I decided to help dogs that help with IDF soldiers and Veterans that suffer from PTSD, a post-traumatic stress disorder. These dogs are helping people in times of need and people who are struggling to manage themselves. I can't wait to meet these amazing dogs, so I am learning Hebrew commands like:

קָ דִ ימָ ה Kadima Forward

שְׂ מֹאְ לָה Smola Left Turn

יְמִ ינָה Yemina Right Turn

יָשָׁ ר Yashar Straight

אֵ לַי Aylai Come

שֵׁ ב Shev Sit

In lieu of my Bat Mitzvah, I will be flying 13 hours to help my furry friends. If you are wondering, “Why is she going to Israel just to see dogs?” Well, I am definitely excited to see dogs, but I am also going to Israel to see the sites and learn the rich history where my mom was born and lived until the age of 7. https://israelguidedog.org/mission-statement/  Fun fact: Israel is known as the land of Milk and Honey. Another fact that is impressive and courageous is that all Israelis must serve in the Army. Men serve for 3 years, and females serve for 2 years. I hope you will help me make a difference by contributing whatever you can, so we can give back to the dogs and help people with PTSD. I will personally deliver the check as I can't wait to meet this amazing people and their furry friends.

Israel Guide Dog Center has begun a program of training service dogs in special skills to help IDF veterans and soldiers suffering from these devastating effects of trauma. Studies—and reports from Israel Guide Dog Center’s PTSD clients—demonstrate PTSD service dogs can significantly alleviate the frequency and severity of trauma symptoms.My goal is to raise $3,000 and to personally give the money to this wonderful organization.
I will also be going to a place called Dogability https://www.dogability.org/  in Long Island to volunteer time to help those who fear dogs. I personally have been there since my sister, Julia, was once afraid of dogs. Since I wanted her to visit me when I was with my mommy, I thought it was important to be her cheerleader and support her. I hope you can help me out by donating on my personal page. I thank you so much for your kindness and generosity as every dollar makes a difference!

 

Sincerely,

Riley