An adopted teen raised $14,000 to help senior dogs find forever homes

Meena Kumar has loved dogs since she was a toddler, and now the 14-year-old San Jose, California, resident has raised $14,000 to help senior dogs be adopted into forever homes. Meena was born in India and was adopted by her parents after spending a year in an orphanage.

When Meena was 8 years old, she adopted her first dog, Bambie. She enjoys teaching her pup tricks, including how to give a “hug” with her paws. Kumar’s love for canines grew when she visited Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a San Francisco shelter dedicated to finding homes for senior dogs.

Although Meena was too young to volunteer at the shelter at the time, she supported the organization by creating her own company, Pet Fairy Services, which offers pet boarding and walking. All of the proceeds are donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. With a matching donation from her dad’s company, the teen has donated more than $14,000 to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue over the years.

“All of our funds go to saving dogs’ lives,” Sherri Franklin, who founded the shelter in 2007, told “Good Morning America.” “Just $1,000 is able to save a couple of dogs’ lives, so imagine what her donations have helped us do.”

For her part, Meena loves giving back.

“It feels great to know that I’ve saved many dogs’ lives and given them another chance to enjoy life for their last years of living,” she told NBC’s “Today.” “I feel like all dogs should get a forever home just like I did.”

Meena’s mom, Jayashree Subrahmonia, is inspired by her daughter’s generosity and kindness. She enjoys having neighbors’ dogs in her home, where Meena hides treats for the pups to go on “treasure hunts.”

“This entire journey of the love for animals in general and supporting senior dogs has been a gift to us,” she told the show.

She is currently working with Pebble Naturals, a pet supplement company, to raise funds; if you purchase products from their site and use the code “MEENA,” 100% of the proceeds will go to her campaign.

What an amazing young woman! We wish her continued success with her awesome work to help senior pets get a second chance at a forever home.