Through the ESU 16 H.O.P.E. program, area teen increases hope for local shelter dogs
BY BECKY UEHLING
GRANT TRIBUNE Correspondent
The dream of 12-year-old Colton Boyce of Arthur is to work with shelter animals someday. However, right now through his own small business, the help of the ESU 16 life-skills program called H.O.P.E., and the Arthur County Schools, he is increasing the hope of local shelter animals right now.
“My goal is to be a better dog person and use the business to be a better person and eventually work in a dog shelter when I grow up,” Colton said. “I’m also doing this to help animals waiting for a family. Until they can find a family, we will deliver treats and presents as long as we can.”
Colton raises money by making and selling dog treats through his small business called Colton and Kaia’s Dog Treats. The business is named after himself and his dog, Kaia, and it also serves as one of his 4-H projects.
“I don’t dislike anything about my business, I love everything about it,” he said.
With proceeds from sales over the past two months, as well as other money and donations he raised, he was able to make a special delivery last week to the Perkins County Animal Shelter and Vet Hospital in Grant. He also spent time with the shelter dogs and shared his treats with them.
“It was great to see such a young man care so much for our shelter. Seeing the smile on his face while he gave love to the dogs was so heartwarming. Knowing he spent two months collecting donations and bringing awareness to our shelter was amazing,” said Shannon Jensen, owner of Perkins County Veterinary Hospital and Shelter. “We were absolutely blown away with his kindness.”
Some of the things Colton donated included food, toys, collars, leashes, bowls and cleaning supplies.
Jensen said the monetary need at the shelter is great, especially to help cover the costs to spay, neuter, vaccinate, provide dental procedures, and all other medical needs of the dogs. “Colton’s donation, along with all donations, are very much needed and appreciated,” she said.
H.O.P.E. Program
Created in August 2025 and facilitated by the Educational Service Unit 16 in Ogallala, the H.O.P.E. Program focuses on Social-Emotional Learning, job skills, entrepreneurship, and daily living skills, according to Catherine Ruhlman Ed.S., NCSP who is a School Psychologist at ESU 16 and serves as the H.O.P.E. program facilitator. H.O.P.E. stands for Help yourself grow, Open your heart and mind, Practice respect in all you do, and Expect great things from yourself. Also providing guidance and support for the program Jennifer Pohlson, ESU 16 Director of Special Services.
“Anyone who knows Colton quickly realizes what a remarkable young person he is,” Ruhlman said, “His kindness, dedication, and generosity inspire everyone around him to be better.”
“Through his business, Colton is learning important life skills such as math, money management, communication, responsibility, social skills, and problem-solving. He is helping pets in need while growing as a young business owner, and his business truly reflects his passion for giving back,” Ruhlman said.
Colton has a huge village supporting him, including his mom, Dana Boyce, other family, Arthur County Schools, and ESU 16. Ruhlman said Colton has been humbled by the support he has received from his community and surrounding areas. A Facebook post from the Perkins County Animal Shelter also helped his business gain more visibility, she said.
“Everyone is incredibly proud of him,” Ruhlman said. “He truly has the biggest heart. As a student, he balances school, his business, and community involvement with dedication and responsibility. He is a kind, thoughtful, and hardworking young entrepreneur who not only cares about his business but also genuinely wants to make a difference in his community. His dedication, generosity, and love for animals are inspiring to everyone around him, and it’s exciting to see how much he has already accomplished and continues to grow.”
“He encourages others to reach out to their local shelters or organizations to support animals by volunteering their time or donating items,” Ruhlman said. “People can also visit his website, which includes an order form with the option to donate treats directly to the animal shelter. Colton’s goal is simply to help as many animals as possible.”
Ruhlman said once a month, those in the H.O.P.E. Program hold a Community Day where they do a different service activity. In November, the H.O.P.E. Program participants visited the Ogallala nursing home and assisted living facilities. While at each location, Colton played bingo with residents and helped deliver cards that he and his school made, Ruhlman said.
Regarding H.O.P.E., Ruhlman said the program is open to ESU 16 schools. However, participation is limited.
“If any of the schools in the ESU 16 area are interested they just need to contact Jennifer Pohlson our Director of Special Services,” Ruhlman said. “But, we are limited as of now on how many students we can enroll in the program since this is our first year. If we have more interest we will continue to brainstorm what that could look like.”
Those interested in learning more about Colton’s business and his efforts to help local shelter animals can visit his website at https://sites.google.com/esusixteen.org/coltonkayadogtreats/home Those interested in the H.O.P.E Program can contact Ruhlman by emailing her at cruhlman@esusixteen.org or Jennifer Pohlson at jpohlson@esusixteen.org