With the alarming effects of climate change and the appalling number of skeptics who dismiss it as โnon-existentโ or โnothing to be worried aboutโ, itโs always a relief to see clean-up efforts and other initiatives taken to counter the problem looming over our planet. Simple eco-friendly choices go a long way, such as going paperless and paying bills electronically, avoiding single-use products, opting to go for sustainable fashion, and recycling to name a few.
After all, making the right choice doesnโt just benefit us humans. It allows animals a stronger chance of survival and a healthier environment, too. And since weโre on the subject of animals, youโll be pleasantly surprised to know that even our furry pals do their part in saving the environment.
A two-year-old Labrador Retriever named Molly helps keep the beach clean by helping her owner, Fliss Cater, pick up trash. It started back in 2017 when Cater decided to settle in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. She was there to open her own bath and skincare shop but was extremely bothered when she discovered how carelessly people left their trash on a nearby beach. Cater first noticed this when she began taking Molly for walks along the coastline.
โIf you live by the beach and enjoy it, I think itโs our responsibility to keep it clean,โ Cater shares. โIn the summer, it was impossible to avoid the litter. It was just everywhere.โ
Realizing it was her pupโs habit to pick up trash, Cater got the idea to start collecting garbage from the beach so they could get started on the clean-up. She trained Molly to properly dispose of garbage in trash bags. The daily habit proved effective and eventually, Cater had to switch from small trash bags to large bin liners. Molly loves the activity, too! โShe doesnโt ask for treats when she finds something. All she wants is a โGood girl, Molly!โ and sheโs a happy dog,โ says Carter.
As a dog mom, Carter is always one step ahead. โI taught her different commands to keep her safe because thereโll be things on the beach that could harm her. There are needles and sharp objects, or just things you wouldnโt expect so I wouldnโt let her go and pick anything up on her own.โ
Before leaving the house, Cater makes sure to pack bin liners and plastic gloves in her bag because she knows Molly always ends up finding something to pick up. Beachgoers who have seen the two in action canโt help but express admiration for their dedication. โWe get stopped all the time by people who think itโs adorable that sheโs cleaning. She gets so much attention and she loves it, she knows sheโs a bit of a star.โ
Hopefully, the story of Cater and Molly will inspire more people to do their part. โWe want to get people involved or at least make them think twice before disposing of their litter so carelessly.โ
Molly and Caterโs impactful clean-up initiatives are truly making a difference in the lives of everyone around them. Cater says they wonโt stop until the entire beach is clean.
She loves having Molly as a teammate and canโt help but gush about how amazing her Labrador Retriever is. โWe always pick litter when we go on walks. I canโt take credit for her great work, sheโs the best dog and itโs really just the way she is!โ Cater enthused.
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