Brandon Twp.- Leah Bede and Susan Sigler, fourth grade students at Oakwood Elementary, may be young, but they are determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless dogs.

Leah, 10, and Susan, 9, have founded the Leash on Life Dog Club, with the intent of raising money to support local dog rescue efforts.

‘In school we were doing an essay and you had to pick a topic you felt strongly about,? Leah said. ‘I wrote about animal abuse and how I want to stop it.?

Leah and Susan initially wanted to solicit funds for their cause by standing with a can outside of Bueche’s Food World, but they changed strategies after speaking with Cyndi Livingstone, who works with K-9 Stray Rescue League, as well as Kristy Spann, Oakwood Elementary principal.

‘We talked about what we wanted to do for fundraisers,? said Susan. ‘Miss Cyndi said maybe we could do one at the movie theater.?

The girls, best friends, had a sleepover during which they made 25 posters to advertise their first event, which took place Feb. 28 at the Oxford 7 cinema. Moviergoers who presented the girls? fundraiser fliers and purchased concessions would have 50 percent of the proceeds from their purchase donated to the cause. More than $100 was donated, which was given to K-9 Stray Rescue League.

Leah and Susan have had Leash on Life Dog Club T-shirts made, which are available for $10, with half covering the cost of the shirts and the other half benefitting dog rescue. The young philanthropists have been joined in the club by classmates and are accepting new members.

‘We’re doing this club because we’re doing stuff to help dogs at dog rescues and if you are a dog lover, I recommend this club for you,? said Leah, who has a 1-year-old Bichon Frise named Bella. ‘I feel strongly about dogs and would like to help them.?

The club meets from 4-5 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Oakwood Elementary, 2839 Oakwood Road.

‘We make stuff for the dogs,? said Susan, who has an 8-year-old Brittany named Duchess. ‘We made no-sew fleece blankets and we’re going to make dog treats.?

Leash on Life plans to accept donations at a dog adoption event on March 17 at the Petco in Auburn Hills. Locally, their next fundraiser will be an open swim from 6-8 p.m., April 13, at the Brandon Aquatics Center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road. Admission is $1 or a donation of dog food or dog-related items.

For more information on joining or donating to the Leash on Life Dog Club call Judy Bede (Leah’s mom) at 248-227-7880. To join the Leash on Life Dog Club, you can also call Kristy Spann at Oakwood Elementary, 248-627-1880.