Hit by a car, little dog fights for her life. Humane Society of Greater Miami needs your help to save Iris

When little Iris was found on the side of the road and brought to the Humane Society of Greater Miami she was in terrible shape. But staff acted quickly, knowing the only way to give her a chance to survive was to rush her for emergency hospital care.

Based on her injuries, it appeared she had been hit by a car. The impact caused her to have two broken limbs and possible ligament injuries, which left her completely unable to walk. To make matters worse, she also had terrible road rash on her back, leg and mouth.

At the vet, it was discovered that Iris suffered chest and head trauma, too. But despite the pain that caused her to stay on her side most of the time, Iris maintained a sweet disposition, nuzzling the staff every chance she got.

Her prognosis shows hope for a full recovery, but it will be a long journey. And an expensive one.

Her care teams are committed to giving Iris a fighting chance at a new, happy and healthy life. The Humane Society of Greater Miami began a fundraising campaign right away and made sure that all necessary treatment began immediately.

The projected cost to the animal welfare organization is close to $25,000 to get Iris back to good health. After three surgeries and round-the-clock care, Iris went home with an experienced foster parent.

“It was imperative to have a foster who would not only give her the love and accommodations she needed to heal comfortably, but could also keep an eye out for any signs of medical stress during her stay. Thankfully, she found a great foster home with one of the vet techs, where she received plenty of TLC,” said the Humane Society’s Alina Roché.

Complications sent Iris back to the hospital again, but she is still fighting, Roché said.

“Now, more than ever, the support of the community is crucial! It is only with your help that the Humane Society of Greater Miami can pay for Iris’s life-saving treatment.

“As a nonprofit organization, the Humane Society of Greater Miami is not funded by the government. It relies on donations from animal-lovers to help the homeless animals in need.... “The Humane Society of Greater Miami will not give up on Iris,” Roché said. “She is the sweetest girl with a wonderful spirit - and is a true fighter. Iris is doing better every day as she continues on her road to recovery.

“Once she is healed, she is sure to win over the hearts of everyone she meets. Iris could not get the second chance she desperately needs without you.” Donations to Help Iris Heal can be made at www.humanesocietymiami.org

Junior Achievement sees teens win at finance

Teams from Miami high schools are being celebrated by teachers, friends, family, and Junior Achievement of Greater Miami, Inc. for national recognition.

For this year’s National Student Leadership Summit, five Coral Gables High students were selected to participate in Washington, D.C. at the event that focuses on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Just 14 other teams from across the country were chosen from hundreds of student “company” applicants.

Another group of students from North Gardens High School, an alternative school, placed second in Junior Achievement’s annual National Stock Market Challenge.

“North Gardens High School participated in JA’s Stock Market Challenge for the first time this year and placed second in Miami with the all-girls NG Money team,” said teacher Neil Jones.

“North Gardens is a high school for at-risk youth, most of whom have struggled in the traditional education system, and many of whom are neurodiverse and whose learning styles are not well-served by conventional high schools.

“For some, this may be their last chance to earn a standard high school diploma. These students have thrived through their participation in JA programs.”

He added that one of the students who won the local competition was able to graduate before the national competition and another student took her place without hesitation.

“The program was suggested to North Gardens by Sandra Jones of Popular Bank and with the help and guidance of JA Miami, in particular, Adam Brinson. We implemented the program to over thirty juniors and seniors.

“The tutorial program on its own was highly successful, instilling our young people with extra knowledge and a desire to be active in the stock market or trading cryptocurrencies. However, the most amazing thing was seeing our young people plan and execute their plans in the competitive environment,” Neil Jones said.

“The result was that our all-girls NG Money team was in the top five for the whole competition and secured a well-deserved second place. All three teams celebrated the success of NG Money together, knowing that their success was, in part, a result of the combined plan.”

Hearing the thrill of the North Gardens High students’ reactions to the Stock Market Challenge program and their success at the highest level was the best part, Neil Jones said.

“One of our graduating students summed it up by calling it ‘the best experience of my whole high school career!’” Learn more at www.miami.ja.org

East Ridge senior teaches art

Being creative is not just a hobby for Ana Maria Gonzalez. It’s a way of life.

She has enjoyed creating paintings, ceramics, and other forms of art for more than 30 years. Two years ago, Gonzalez decided to share her artistic skills through teaching ceramics at East Ridge at Cutler Bay retirement community where she now lives.

“It’s been rewarding to me to see my neighbors put their hearts and souls into their work,” she said. “Our classes are a very social time for everyone to share, and it’s been very therapeutic for many of us, especially following the pandemic.”

Many of them had never touched clay before, but you would never know that while looking at their art that’s currently on display on the walls throughout the Cutler Bay senior living community.

Artwork on display includes bowls, flowers, and even a sculpture of Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican painter. Their work was displayed at a community art show at Cauley Square’s DGabay LLC Art Gallery.

“When I brought the idea to host this exhibit to the owner of the studio, she was amazed that seniors were able to create such beautiful works of art. Even more amazing is that many of these people just learned how to do this,” Gonzalez said.

The ceramics classes were launched as a way for this close-knit group of seniors to enjoy social interactions, stay active, and continue to enhance their mental health. The group of 10 seniors meets every Monday morning.

“I’ve lived at East Ridge for four years, and I’ve enjoyed seeing this ceramics class blossom into a very interesting and engaging activity for my neighbors,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and enjoy each other’s company.”

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.