Welcome to Part 1 of our special collaboration with Reducing Animal Stress.
In this special collaboration, we’re bringing together two powerful voices who are passionate about animal well-being:
- Ariela — Founder of Reducing Animal Stress, a nonprofit dedicated to helping animals live calmer, more balanced lives through practical tools, education, and community engagement.
- Rev. Jaime Nieves, also known as The Creature Preacher — An advocate for animals through spiritual reflection, activism, and bold storytelling.
Together, we explored grief, stewardship, advocacy, and the healing power of animals. I asked Ariela about her incredible journey supporting animals in shelters and communities across the country. Her work shows how small, compassionate actions can make a big difference in animal well-being.
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Jaime: What inspired you to start Reducing Animal Stress, and how did it grow out of your Gold Award project?
Ariela: I was inspired to do this project because of my own animals, who were always there for me and brought so much joy to my life. I wanted to help them just as they helped me. I was also inspired by my local shelter’s volunteer liaison, who explained to me how important enrichment was for animals.
After completing my Girl Scout Gold Award, I wanted to continue making an impact, so I turned my project into an official nonprofit. From there, I expanded my mission to support animals through several different ways, such as creating and donating customized kits to help animals locally, nationally, and internationally.
Jaime: You’ve volunteered and fostered animals for years — was there a specific moment that opened your eyes to how stressed animals can be in shelters?
Ariela: There wasn’t one single moment, but a collection of experiences over the years. I grew up spending many hours volunteering at animal shelters, where I noticed a pattern of animals looking sad, scared, and anxious while waiting to find a forever home.
I remember walking through the rows, hearing the dogs crying and barking, and seeing the cats hiding in corners. But when a shelter volunteer suggested enrichment items, everything clicked. It started my journey to learn how stress impacts shelter animals — and how we can help.
Jaime: How do you define “animal stress,” and what are some of the most common causes in shelters or homes?
Ariela: Animal stress comes through their senses — touch, smell, taste, sound, and sight. Examples include sitting on cold floors, loud noises, lots of movement, unfamiliar scents, and having nowhere to hide.
Stress also comes from boredom and confinement in cages for long periods. This can lead to illness, increased behavioral issues, and bad habits like pulling out fur or spinning in circles — all of which make it harder for them to get adopted.
Jaime: You’ve donated thousands of items to shelters — that’s incredible! Can you share some examples of the kinds of items and how they help reduce animal stress?
Ariela: The items we donate focus on enrichment and calming.
- Blankets and beds give animals a warm, comforting place to rest and carry familiar scents.
- Toys and food puzzles reduce boredom and anxiety.
- Privacy screens and hideaway houses help animals feel secure.
- Scratchers provide an outlet for stress and help them relax.
Jaime: Which shelter or rescue story has stayed with you the most?
Ariela: In January 2024, a dog named Gilly was found tied to a fence and taken to the West Los Angeles Shelter. She was put on the shelter’s euthanasia list. Luckily, Melissa Klaskin, a board member of Reducing Animal Stress, took the lead to save her.
After a long month of gathering support and securing time extensions, Gilly was finally saved. It’s a story that reminds me why this work matters so much. [Here is her published story/link.]
Jaime: How do you involve the community in your mission — especially young people?
Ariela: I involve the community through workshops and events at libraries, senior centers, schools, and more. Attendees learn why enrichment matters and how to make calming items from recycled, affordable materials.
I also founded a club at my high school, and am starting a Reducing Animal Stress Club at my college. We have teen volunteers who help at events, pack kits, and distribute donations. Engaging youth is essential — it builds empathy and gives them a tangible way to make a difference.
Here is the link to my “Workshop Take Home” Packet.
For more information about Reducing Animal Stress, please visit our LinkTr.ee or email me at reducinganimalstress@gmail.com.
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Our conversation reminds us that animal advocacy takes many forms — from storytelling and ceremony to enrichment kits and community action.
By combining spiritual advocacy with hands-on support, we can create a kinder world for animals everywhere.
