Font ResizeWhat: Puttin' on the Leash 2011 Gala and Silent Auction
When: Saturday at 6 p.m.
Where: Coors Event Center
More: boulderhumane.org
A treat dispenser, a recirculating water fountain and a cat scratch post are just a few of the sustainable pet projects made by University of Colorado students in professor Julee Hertd's Green Technology class this spring.
Learning to use repurposed, sustainable materials is nothing new to these architecture students. The real challenge was keeping their furry friends in mind.
Students were asked to adapt their midterm project to an animal-friendly idea that could be donated to the Boulder Valley Humane Society and sold in their annual silent auction.
The auction is part of the organization's annual gala and fundraiser and will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Coors Event Center.
"These projects aren't just about the creativity, but it's also about teaching students to contribute to the community," Herdt said.
CU senior Erin Masket said she kept her Shar Pei, Velvet, in mind while designing a water dish from lamp shades and decorative candy dishes.
"I started with the silver candy dish and that really inspired some elegance," Masket said. "I wanted the fountain to look nice and still be useful."
Velvet is a rescue dog, so Masket said she's excited to her project will benefit shelter animals.
CU senior Gabriela Sholtz didn't have a specific pet in mind when designing her doggie rain slicker, but that didn't stop her from creating a practical, multi-purpose product.
"Everything is recycled material," Sholtz said. "I took an oversized ski jacket and made a protective jacket for hiking with a detachable hood."
When removed the red slicker can also be folded and tied to create a small drinking bowl for the animal.
CU junior Derek Kniffin repurposed a piece of steel and rubber floor mats to build a ramp that will assist small or injured animals in getting in and out of a vehicle.
CU senior Erica Kopel said her design began as a set of collars and leashes made of recycled leather and silverware.
But, over time her design became more stylish than she originally thought, so she turned the leashes into belts hoping to contribute to the wardrobe of humans at Saturday's event.
Not all of the auction items are for pets. The items range from trips to France, to decorative mirrors, along with animal-friendly products, said Barbara Bronk, a Humane Society volunteer.
The prices vary from $10 to upwards of $10,000, Bronk said. The student projects will be listed between $35 and $150.
Bronk, who owns an interior design business in Boulder, said she brought the suggestion to Herdt, a fellow supporter of the Humane Society.
"I saw an opportunity to connect the creativity that Julee brings to her students with an event that brings funding for an organization that is close to my heart and close to Julee's heart," Bronk said.
Herdt said this is the first time she's had a pet theme in mind for the class projects and she's hoping to continue the new partnership.
