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In 2010 Hermosa
Vista Elementary School teacher, JoAnna Wilson
invited us to bring our Golden Retrievers so we
could talk to the students about rescue, pet
safety and pet therapy. AZGRC
Golden Retrievers Bette Davis and
Kayli were happy to visit and show their
stuff.
In October 2011
we were invited back again do a little
presentation for about 60 students.
Knowing how much fun we had last year with the
students Bette Davis and Kayli
thought they had to make their visit
educational, more fun and do something
different. So we decided to bring
two extra Golden Retrievers. That surely would
be the fun part.
On November
9th, Golden Retrievers, Finnegan with his
owner Julie Flynn, Cody with his handler
Patti Gibbons, Kayli with her owner
Laurie Rogers and Bette Davis with her
owner Christine Orantes arrived and were happily
greeted by 90 students. I honestly don’t know
who was more excited; the Golden Retrievers, the
teachers or the students.
All the
children were so good and listened while we
talked about how to approach a dog safely.
They also demonstrated how to be trees and rocks
when meeting an off leash dog they did not know
and without an owner present. We talked
about rescue and pet care including Vet visits.
We talked about fleas and ticks and how
dangerous they are to dogs if untreated.
Then secretly
all four Goldens were dressed up with oversized
stuffed fleas and ticks and then brought back
into the cafeteria to hear happy squeals from
the children. While the children were
hearing about the importance of annual Vet
visits we dressed the children up as doctors and
nurses. The children took turns listening
with stethoscopes to their own heart beats and
then dogs’ heart beats. They spoke about the
difference.
We spoke about
pet therapy visits and shared some stories about
how dogs make children feel better when we visit
them in the hospital. We talked about how
sometimes by walking a dog or tossing a ball or
brushing their fur a child can re-master a skill
while recovering from an injury.
Alas our time
was up, we had a great time and all the children
were so wonderful to the Golden Retrievers.
The dogs did a
few tricks and then they gave each student a
book mark.
The children
sent Finnegan, Cody, Kayli
and Bette Davis the most touching thank
you letters for coming to their class. It was
such fun to read about what made the children
the happiest about our visit.
We find
ourselves touching the future with these
incredible students at Hermosa Vista Elementary
School and with our Golden Retriever. We know
there is a bond formed between the children and
our Goldens.
They showed
their love for the dogs, learned how important
responsible pet ownership is, the need for basic
training and in making the right choices to have
a happy and well cared for pet.
Who could ask
for more?
We hope we are
invited back again because we are already
planning something fun for our next visit. |
