Fur, friends, and tail-wagging fun came together at Northwestern State University for a unique philanthropic event on Wednesday. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity sponsored ‘The Puppy Experience,’ an opportunity for students to take a break from mid-term exams, hang out with adorable pups, and support two great causes.

Dozens of people stopped by the brick way outside Kyser Hall to spend some quality time with dogs from Hope for Paws, a Natchitoches community animal rescue group. Any donation to ‘The Ability Experience,’ Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy which serves people with disabilities, came with 10 minutes of puppy playtime. Even several campus administrators got in on the action. All of the animals were available for adoption.

The event also allowed Pi Kappa Phi members to engage their peers in a conversation about the vision of ‘The Ability Experience,’ to “create a community, one relationship at a time, where the abilities of all people are recognized and valued.” Sorority and fraternity members, campus leaders, and others students signed pledges to eliminate the use of the word “retard.” The project aims to raise awareness of how hurtful words and disrespect can be toward people with disabilities.

After four hours, the dogs helped raise more than $200 and dozens of R-word pledge cards signed.

You can learn more about The Ability Experience by visiting http://www.theabilityexperience.org or Natchitoches Hope For Paws by visiting: http://www.natchitocheshopeforpaws.org/