6th Grader Buys Dog Treadmills for Humane Societies

Kam Gottlieb is too allergic to own a cat or dog of her own and too young to seek out employment, but none of that stopped her from expressing her profound love for animals by raising $500 to buy a dog treadmill for sheltered canines.

Last Monday, Kam concluded her two-year fundraising effort when she donated the treadmill to The Anti-Cruelty Society, a Chicago-based nonprofit that promotes the humane treatment of animals.

Kam, who lives in Wilmette, began saving at the end of her third grade school year, and since then, has sold rubber bracelets at school, hosted a summer fundraising party in her backyard and laid aside her allowance, all with the aim of bringing sheltered dogs a bit more joy.

“I wanted to donate the dog treadmill because it was unique and really useful,” Kam said. “You can put it in a small space, all dogs can use it year round, and you can put it next to your desk and do your work while the dogs are getting much needed exercise so they are happier and more adoptable… I picked the Anti-Cruelty Society because I saw online that it is a really big place and I thought that it would be hard to exercise all of those dogs.”

dogPACER, the Las Vegas-based company from which Kam bought the treadmill, was so impressed with her altruistic intentions, that they discounted the machine by $100, paid for shipping and handling, and matched her donation.

Kam will deliver the second treadmill to the Southwest Michigan Humane Society in January, according to a press release from The Anti-Cruelty Society.

“It is children like Kam, who care so deeply for the animals, that are so important to The Anti-Cruelty Society and to our community,” said Dr. Robyn Barbiers, President of The Anti-Cruelty Society. “The treadmill will be used by our staff to help exercise the dogs in our care. Since we do not have time limits on how long an animal can stay with us, the treadmill will be very beneficial in keeping some of the long-term dogs happier and healthier while they wait for adoption.”

The Anti-Cruelty Society helps animals in a variety of ways, including an adoption program, a spay and neuter clinic, a rehabilitation and treatment center, a low-income clinic, community outreach, abuse investigations and rescue, dog training classes and a free behavior hotline.