Par Fore Paws: Hope’s Story of Advocating for Animals

In her hometown of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Hope Tuttle, a second-year Legacy Scholar and sophomore at Drury University, spent this past year embarking on a meaningful journey through her Volunteer Leadership Project (VLP), focused on advocating for animals in need. Partnering with the Sapulpa Animal Shelter located southwest of Tulsa, Hope worked to address the urgent overcapacity crisis facing the shelter, using her leadership skills to raise awareness and encourage her community to get involved in making a difference for these animals.

Hope’s inspiration for this project stemmed from her empathy for the animals and her personal connection to the shelter; she had rescued her dog from there, which deepened her understanding of the challenges many animals face. Recognizing the potential negative impact of overcrowding on the health and well-being of these animals, she was determined to lead efforts for positive change.

One of Hope’s key objectives this past year was to raise much-needed funds for the shelter, believing that with adequate financial support, they could improve their facilities. This could include expanding the shelter to accommodate more animals or creating dedicated spaces for rehabilitation and socialization. Through it all, Hope was committed to providing these animals with the best chance at finding loving homes.

Throughout the year, Hope worked closely with Brandie, the shelter manager, and to understand the importance of community engagement, Hope also sought partners beyond the shelter. She reached out to the City of Sapulpa for assistance, whose support helped her secure crucial donations of essential supplies. She also collaborated with the Rock Creek Golf Course to host the major fundraising event for the year called Par Fore Paws, which would be a one-day golf tournament aimed at raising funds and awareness for the shelter and the animals in need. This venue was significant for Hope, as it allowed her to merge her love for animals with a place that held personal meaning as a student-athlete on the Drury Golf Team and a lifelong golfer.

The work that lay ahead for Hope required a vast array of leadership skills, including communication, networking, organization, and volunteer management. Ultimately, the event raised almost $6,000 in one day and brought together countless supporters who shared a passion for animal welfare and community involvement.

Ultimately, Hope’s project served to address the urgent needs of the shelter, and by focusing on the welfare of the animals and promoting community engagement, she illustrated the importance of local initiatives and collaborative efforts in creating a positive impact. Her project combined her passion for animal welfare with her desire to strengthen her community and her love of golfing not only as a sport but as a way to bring people together.

Above all, her journey serves as a reminder that individual leadership and commitment, when paired with community support, can lead to meaningful change for those in need.

Way to go, Hope!