Piper’s Pantry Puppy Party Donation Drive supports Blue Dog Rescue

Paws up! It’s that time of year again when tails wag, treats fly and the community comes together to support a paws-itively wonderful cause: a donation drive for pups in need.

Samantha Berryhill, an educator at Harmony Science Academy-Cedar Park, part of Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas, is hosting the fourth annual Piper’s Pantry Puppy Party Donation Drive, benefiting Blue Dog Rescue.

Berryhill adopted Piper from Austin's Blue Dog Rescue. Early in her teaching career, she began creatively incorporating Piper into her lessons, using the pup in plot scenarios and prediction exercises. The students' enthusiasm for Piper sparked an idea extending beyond the classroom walls. Berryhill and her team organized a meet-and-greet with Piper at a local dog park, and that event evolved into an annual fundraiser benefiting local animal welfare organizations.

"I didn't understand the impact this event would have on our classrooms," Berryhill said. "Students, parents and teachers all benefited from connecting outside the classroom and sharing in a community bond."

The annual fundraiser supports animal welfare and teaches students valuable lessons about community service and social responsibility.

The Puppy Party will obe held onSaturday, April 12, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Cedar Bark Park, a public off-leash dog park located at 2525 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613. Parents or guardians must accompany students. All donations will support Blue Dog Rescue.

Piper Ann is Berryhill’s 6½-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback/Great Pyrenees mix who’s sweet, talkative and loves giving kisses and making new friends.

New this year, joining Piper Ann are two new fur-tastic friends:

• Daisy, a 9-year-old blue heeler belonging to Mr. Dickson, loves playing fetch and greeting new friends—especially if there’s a pup cup involved.
• Marshall, a bouncy 5-month-old Irish doodle from Mrs. Hamilton, is full of energy and charm once he warms up.

The donation drive supports Blue Dog Rescue, a nonprofit that gives rescue dogs a second chance at life. Donations can be brought to the event. Acceptable items include:

• Dog food, treats and toys
• Cleaning supplies (paper towels, bleach, wipes, detergent)
• Diapers and pee pads
• Leashes, collars, grooming supplies
• Towels, blankets and bedding

Harmony Public Schools are more than 60 high-performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools, please visit harmonytx.org. Harmony is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students may apply at harmonytx.org/apply.