Children are our future…in so many ways! It is our duty to guide them to be caring, responsible adults, to show them right and wrong, good and bad. That duty is one we take seriously at HAWS, because we know that if we start educating our youth, they will turn into animal-savvy adults.
Khris is our Humane Educator here at HAWS. Most weeks she has a very full calendar of giving shelter tours, visiting schools, planning activities for our summer and winter kids’ camps…along with organizing educational seminars and holding dog training classes for all ages – human and canine.
She also houses a pet snake in her office. Very cool – ask any fourth-grader.
A program Khris started just recently was featured in the February 18 edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Teachers in our area can foster one of HAWS homeless small animals (like mice, gerbils, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs) as a classroom pet. This not only increases awareness of adoptable “pocket pets” at our shelter, but also gives the students a chance to learn about these animals and their needs – and the responsibilities involved in pet ownership. Six pets are currently out in classrooms – and Khris would be happy to talk with any interested teachers about the program (262-542-8851, x118).
Daisy Troop #2551 came to HAWS on February 15 for a tour of the shelter. The girls learned about the ways animals end up at HAWS, how we take care of them, and that we are looking for good homes for adoptable pets. After the tour the girls had an opportunity to meet several animals and learn a little bit about them. Official “Humane Education Dog” Mystic (pictured here with the troop) was a big hit – and he greatly enjoyed the fully body massage!
Khris does several off-site after school programs, including one at Saratoga School in Waukesha. Recently the students participating were asked to draw pictures that would reflect a lesson they have learned about animal welfare – you can click on the thumbnails for a larger view of their drawings.
We think animal welfare will be in good hands far into the future.
By the way – “Kids’n Critters” is also the name of our very popular summer and winter kids’ day camps. We’re enrolling now for summer sessions – visit www.hawspets.org/kids_camp.html to learn more and download a registration form.
