Educating children about the importance of caring for animals

According to the Humane Society of the United States:

• In 2006, more than 2.3 million children under the age of thirteen were bitten by dogs
• In Nashville Tennessee 10,924 animals were euthanized in 2006 (Metro Animal Control.)

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):

• “animals are abused because people do not know that what they are doing is cruel.”

These statistics alone scream the urgent need to create change. One very effective way to change behavior is education. People must be educated about the needs of animals and the care of animals. Research has shown that young children have the least resistance to change. Based on that knowledge, Lovie’s Legacy Foundation has begun a program to educate young children (K-3). Children will learn about the needs of animals and how they can meet these needs. Children are encouraged to identify their own needs and compare their needs to the needs of animals. Through the recognition and appreciation of animals’ needs and feelings, children learn kind, compassionate care of animals.

The teaching team is composed of a narrator, two certified therapy dogs and their handlers. The team travels to public and private schools giving a presentation. The narrator talks with the children about what an animal needs to be healthy and happy and how these needs compare with their own needs. Therapy dogs and their handlers model the behavior being discussed. Each child then has an opportunity to interact with a dog and handler; demonstrating how she/he would meet one of the animal’s needs. For example, an animal needs to have shedding fur removed. The dog’s handler will demonstrate grooming a dog. A child will then have an opportunity to brush the dog.

A special segment of the program is devoted to the prevention of dog bites. The dog’s body language is discussed, to help children predict a dog’s behavior. Situations that are dangerous will be presented. Safe behavior around strange dogs is modeled and children have the opportunity to practice safe behavior.

Teachers are provided with materials and activities to be used to extend these experiences into the classrooms and lives of the children. Reinforcing the information presented increases the impact on children. The materials and activities can easily be integrated into the curriculum in many ways. Suggestions for that integration are provided to each teacher.