5:08 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Some first-graders at Osseo Area Schools are learning the power of compassion for pets.
At Weaver Lake Elementary School, 100 first graders learned about communicating with animals on Tuesday.
The Humane Society brought some of their furry friends to share a presentation with the kids about animal body language. Children saw examples of different animal reactions, from fluffy fur to wagging their tails, and learned what each reaction meant.
“We're just talking about something really important: learning to understand what animals and pets are telling us,” said Rachel Dashiell, education manager at the Humane Society. said.
Mikayla, also a humane educator with the Animal Welfare Society, guided the children through call-and-response exercises.
“Are these dogs feeling comfortable or uncomfortable?” Mikayla asked. The children had a variety of reactions.
Mikayla shows 50 first graders three examples of dog tail movements.
As the practice progressed, the children's understanding quickly deepened.
“If you teach them respect, boundaries, and the beauty of owning a pet from a young age, that can have a huge impact on how they feel about animals in the future,” Dashiell said.
These classes can be taken on-site at the Humane Society or on the street. Available for all ages. Most classes also give children the opportunity to interact with pets that are brought to the venue.
“I think this kind of lays the foundation for animal advocates and animal lovers,” Dashiell said.
community support
Weaver Lake's participation in the program was made possible thanks to parent Reggie Carter. He runs his Must Be Ruff, which makes gourmet homemade dog treats.
“I think learning to have compassion for animals will lead you to have compassion for people and other things throughout your life,” Carter said.
Carter also founded the Must Be Laugh Foundation, which works to fund training to teach children a love of pets. He said he wants everyone to see the love children have for their dogs and understand what that feels like.
“It's very important that people's animals and pets are part of the family,” Carter said. “When you have that element, you can see the impact on how people turn out.”
Reggie Carter and his sons also attended lessons.
Now, thanks to Carter, Weaver Lake is one of the first schools to benefit from his foundation.
If you would like to help the Carter Foundation fund more schools, please contact us at theprojectmarie@gmail.com.
For more information about the AHS program, please visit our website.
maple grove
