Nine-year-old Katharine Mehta of New York, NY, walks dogs to raise money for Mighty Mutts, "an all-volunteer, no-kill organization dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of the stray animals of New York City."

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did/do you do?

Katharine: I walk dogs on Fire Island to try to make money for Mighty Mutts, a pet shelter for animals.

What is the name and location of the organization?

Katharine: Mighty Mutts, Brooklyn, NY.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Katharine: It saves animals.

What inspired you to get involved?

Katharine: Myself, because I love animals and thought about how it feels to have to run away from us.

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Katharine: PLAYING WITH THE PUPS!!!!!!!!!!!

What is/was the hardest part?

Katharine: Getting the dogs to walk.

What was the biggest surprise?

Katharine: Learning about every one of them.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Katharine: I think more about giving money to them and not to me.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Katharine: You should make sure you’re responsible enough to handle a dog, and YOU MUST LOVE DOGS!