Now we get to put all of our education to practical use!

Now we get to put all of our education to practical use! Interaction between children and animals can be one of the most rewarding things in life to witness. You may have forgotten who was your first grade teacher, but I bet you can remember your first dog. All of the bonds we form in childhood are essential to our well being and the bonds we form with childhood companion animals can be some of the strongest and most long lasting of our lives.

In order to put all our learning into practice we must first find some animals! You may already have companion animals that share your life, or it might be time to visit that local shelter. Before committing yourself to adoption, you must realize that this is a LIFETIME commitment you are making. You will be completely responsible for the mental, physical and emotional health of this animal for the next 10-20 years. This is a big step, so please make sure you are ready before signing the papers. If adoption is not for you there are still plenty of places available that would welcome you and your children. Your local shelters and humane organizations always need volunteers. Socialization of animals that have been abused or neglected is vital for them to be considered adoptable. I'm not in any way advocating putting yourself or you children at risk, by saying. Most abuse/neglect cases simply need to regain trust in humans. Play time, walks, or training are the way to help them regain confidence and trust. Good communication with shelter or organization personel and knowing what level of involvment your child can handle is the best way to go. Kennels or groomers and veternarian's offices are another good place to look. They will often allow older children to volunteer. It never hurts to ask.

Bottlefeeding Gigit 1999

As I've said before, I run a state liscensed in-home daycare. The children I look after and my furbabies and fosters interact on a daily basis. The kids love it and the animals love it. I've never had a serious incident take place and all of my parents are aware of my rescue involvment and have no problem with their children sharing part of their days with 30 or so cats! I've even adopted several fosters out to some of my daycare families. Each day for the children here is a learning experience. We talk about all phases of animal welfare and most leave here with a love for and desire to have animals share their lives.

One of the highlights of our day-care year is our annual visit to Mini-Pigs, Inc., a pot-bellied pig sanctuary run by Richard and Laura Hoyle. Richard and Laura are two of the most compassionate people I have ever met and the kids can't wait to go visit Mini-Pigs. We usually spend a couple of weeks talking about the visit before we actually go. This gives me the opportunity to explain about the pigs, and why Richard and Laura have built this sanctuary for them. On field trip day the kids just think it's a blast and have enjoyed playing. They don't realize how much they've learned on this working field trip! We spend the day cleaning pens, feeding, watering, grooming and playing with the pigs. At the end of the day everyone returns home tired and dirty but with big smiles on their faces.

Visit to Mini-Pigs, Inc. Fall 1999

My daycare kids also have a lot of experience with bottle babies! Spring usually finds my home full to bursting with pre-weened kittens. As feeding is on an around the clock schedule I usually teach the older children how to bottle feed, just so I have enough hands! There is a lot more to caring for pre-weened kittens than sticking a bottle in their mouths. This should not be done by an inexperienced person. Shelters and humane groups sometimes do have bottle babies and they could always use help. Most 7-12 year olds are able to bottle feed with the right instruction and this is a very good way to teach compassion, as well as, to interact with animals.

Just about anything you do with animals from walking the neighbor's dog to adopting your own will help teach your children a respect for these creatures. No one should go through life with a fear of animals. They enrich our lives in so many ways, don't pass up the opportunity to experience the love and joy of interaction.

Ideas for Interaction

Contact your local shelter or humane organization about volunteering.

Start a neighborhood dog walking or pet sitting service.

Have a dog wash!

Ask a trainer if you can assist them during class time.

Plan a visit or field trip to a hands-on sanctuary or other facility that is animal compassionate.

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