Animal Humane Society Teaches Kids About Pet Body Language
Some Osseo Area Schools’ first graders are learning the power of compassion toward pets.
At Weaver Lake Elementary, 100 first graders learned to communicate with animals on Tuesday.
The Animal Humane Society brought a few of its furry friends and shared a presentation with kids on animal body language. Kids looked at different examples of animals’ reactions, from puffy fur to wagging tails, and learned what each reaction means.
“We’re just talking about something really important, which is learning to understand what our animals and pets are communicating to us,” said Rachael Dashiell, education manager for the Animal Humane Society.
Mikayla, another Animal Humane Society humane educator, walked kids through a call-and-response exercise.
“Are these doggies feeling comfortable or uncomfortable?” Mikayla asked. The kids called out a mix of responses.
Mikayla shows 50 first graders three examples of dog tail movements.
As the exercise went on, the kids quickly got a better understanding.
“If you start young, really teaching respect and boundaries, and also just the great parts about having pets, it can really shape how kids feel about animals in the future,” Dashiell said.
These classes are available on site at the Animal Humane Society or on the road. It is available for all ages. Most classes also give kids the chance to meet the pets brought on site.
“I think it kind of builds that foundation for animal advocates, animal lovers,” Dashiell said.
Community Support
Weaver Lake’s participation in the program is made possible this time thanks to parent Reggie Carter. He owns Must Be Ruff, which creates gourmet, home-baked dog treats.
“Learning compassion for animals, I think translates to having compassion for people and other things throughout your life,” Carter said.
Carter also started the Must Be Ruff foundation, which is working to fund training that will teach kids a love for pets. He said he sees the love his kids have for their dog and wants everyone to understand what that’s like.
“It’s very big that peoples’ animals and pets are members of their family,” Carter said. “I can just see the effects on how people turn out when they have that component.”
Reggie Carter and his sons also sat in on the lesson.
Now, thanks to Carter, Weaver Lake is one of the first schools to benefit from his foundation.
If you would like to help Carter’s foundation fund more schools, you can contact theprojectmarie@gmail.com.
More information about AHS programs are available on its website.
