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*The only link to TRAC with this post is that my intention is to set up with the schools and groups that go to with presentations for the resue, for TRAC to come in and do informational presentations too.* I just wanted to share because it was so much fun and the kids just grab my heart every time we do one of these.
Wednesday we did a school visit at a local shool for their 4 kindegarden classes. I brought 3 of my own dogs(two are certified Therapy dogs, the third is in training), and three other volunteers brought 4 dogs among them. One was a 90+ pound Rottweiler.
Due to the age of the kids we didn't go into lots of detail, but we discussed why it is important never to just go pet an animal you don't know without asking first if it is OK, what to do if you see a stray and I boiled down what Planned Pethood does into 5 yr old terminology. When we were done with our "talk" the kids got to pet the dogs.
The big "mean" Rottie was sprawled on the floor with all 4 legs in the air, tongue lolling out of her mouth while the kids crawled all over her- she loved every second of it! The 80lb yellow lab was fairly certain that she fit in the kids' laps(much to their delight). My elderly GSD was my springboard for talking about what happens when people are mean to animals-- many of the kids looked in her mouth to see her broken teeth, and felt her ear for the notches that are in it.
EVERY child there petted all of the dogs, even the kids who had told the teachers they were afraid of dogs! I think it helped them when I told them that my GSD used to be afraid of people, but by them being nice to her it helps her see that not all people are mean(I have found that this is also a good bridge for kids who have been abused, BTW).
To top it off, the teachers and students had brought donations for the rescue(toys, treats, food, cleaning supplies, etc) and many of the children wrote letters to the dogs and cats. Just telling you what they say doesn't do them justice, since most of them are spelled all crazy, with letters turned around and stuff, and many have illustrations too- but I'll share some of my favorites here to give you a taste.
From Ida: Dear dog and cat I have presints for you you. I have for presints. I will give you them. All luv Ida.
From Marissa(she has all the d's and b's and o's& a's colored in):Dear, dog I hope you like the toy I got you. Do you like it? Thire are two toy balls. I love you! Love Marissa
From Riley: Der dog I brot you dog balls. Der cat I got you a cat to feth[feather]. Luv Riley
From Deon: Dear dog I love to help dogs fil(feel) betr. This dog food is hrde(hard) but you wi/ll[sic] lik it. Lovo Deon
From Brionne: Dear Puppy I love you puppy so much because you are cute. And I love you. Love, brionne.
They are so freakin' awesome!!! Don't you just want to hug all of these kids?? I so love this stuff!
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