Sophomore Sarah Nelson recently started Project HAL, a clothing line and business rooted in her childhood passion for animals, which has only grown and strengthened as she has matured.

Project HAL stands for “Hope. Adopt. Love.” and was designed to offer those things to animals in need. Its mission is to end the unnecessary euthanasia of shelter animals, promote animal adoption and connect people to the world of animal rescue.

“We believe that by raising funds and creating a platform that connects people to shelter animals, we can change the fate of animals in need,” Nelson said.

Currently, Project HAL is partnered with Animal Ark in Hastings, Minnesota, and Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Hudson, Wisconsin.

“We fully appreciate being considered for one of their rescues and we want to continue the partnership,” Jennifer Jensen, event coordinator for Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, said.

Project HAL donates ten percent of their profits to these animals shelters, and during checkout the customers can select which rescue they would like to support. At this time, long sleeve T-shirts and dog bananas are available for purchase.

“It’s an easy way for people to give back without really thinking about it. Everyone likes a nice shirt or a bandana for their pet,” Nelson said. “The donations make a difference, but also by wearing the shirt, animal adoption is being promoted.”

Nelson has had an affection for animals from a young age, and when she was three years old one of her dreams came true.

“I got my first dog. She was a Scottish Terrier named Tiffany,” Nelson said. “She was the first animal that showed me the kind of love that animals give.”

It was only natural for Tiffany to become Project HAL’s logo.

Nelson volunteered at a humane society when her parents informed her that there would be no more pets in the house. It was there that Nelson saw firsthand that not all animals are given the chance they deserve.

“A lot of times, sadly, animals are euthanized,” Nelson said. “I realized I can’t save them all — at least, I can’t do it alone — so this is a way I thought we could get more people involved and create a platform where people can see others rescuing animals and give back.”

Jensen has adopted several dogs from animal rescues, and she said giving dogs a forever home within your family is one of the most gratifying experiences.

“Dogs are the most accepting creatures that want to be loved and want to give love. The dogs that I have adopted have become apart of my family, and they are wonderful,” Jensen said.

The Nelson family has fostered dogs from Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, and it was this experience that taught Nelson the impact she could have on animals’ lives. She said fostering animals is rewarding and that she cherishes the bonds formed.

“As hard as it is for you to separate yourself from the animal and give them away, it’s knowing that you are able to be a part of getting them a safe place and forever home,” Nelson said. “That is the most rewarding.”

Nelson hopes Project HAL will grow and eventually become nationally recognized.

“The goal is to expand to more shelters so people from anywhere can support their local shelter. Hopefully it can expand to something I can’t even imagine right now,” Nelson said.

For Nelson, seeing her business take shape is surreal.

“It is one thing to have a dream and dream about it, but it’s a whole other thing when it becomes a reality,” Nelson said.

Carolyn Meyer can be reached at cameyer@stthomas.edu.