Jerry Sandhu, Person of the Week

Friday, June 19, 2009

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Warren Armstrong
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Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- A boy in Selma is creating new friendships in his community, but he's not using "Facebook" ... or "MySpace" to do it.

Thirteen year old Jerry Sandhu loves dogs, even if they don't always do what you tell them.

Jerry's passion for pooches is mirrored by his respect for senior citizens. He believes a furry friend can improve the life of a lonely older person.

Jerry says a dog "Keeps you company ... good company ... and always gives off a positive vibe".

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So, Jerry went to the Senior Citizens Center in Selma, to match up abandoned and abused dogs with potential owners.

He calls his effort ... "Paws for the Cause" ... because he says ... dogs need love, too.

At the center, senior Olivia Abraham asked Jerry to find her a little Chihuahua because that's what she's always wanted.

Jerry will scan internet sites and check local animal shelters to find Olivia, her perfect canine companion, and it's absolutely free of charge. Olivia is extremely thankful to Jerry.

Marian Clifton is also grateful. Jerry found "Wally the Weinerdog" for her. Marian says about her dog, "he really likes us and we just love him. He's so funny when he barks. He sounds like a seal. He goes 'wha ... wha ... wha'." Then, she laughs.

Jerry makes sure the dogs are healthy ... Have their shots and are even house-trained before turning them over to their new owners.

His mother, Helen Martinez, is proud of her son. She said, "He really amazes me because he's been able to maintain a 4.0 grade point average in school, school sports and activities. Through all that, he still finds time to match up dogs with seniors."

Jerry and his mom are also spending a lot of time seeking private donations to keep the service free to seniors.

It's all worth it, to a boy who wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up. Jerry said, "Because I like animals so much, I just want to see everyone happy".

From mutts to mongrels ... and puppies to pure-breeds ... he's their champion. Jerry Sandhu ... the Action News Person of the Week.

Pawsforthecause09@gmail.com