Twenty- five eager students, ages 9 through 13, participated in our free, week long Humane Education Program at the Holtsville Ecology Site. The focus of our second annual Humane Education Program was an exploration of the similarities we share with our animal friends and how we are all are wonderfully unique. We learned about the compassionate treatment of farm animals and the responsible care of companion animals. All want to live happily and live free of pain and deprivation. We talked about service animals, such as therapy dogs, cats, rabbits, seeing eye ponies, and therapeutic riding horses who help those with physical, mental or emotional challenges. We came to the realization that all animals, from specially trained animals to our beloved pets to wildlife, perform tremendous acts of service and are an example to us of how we should live our own lives.
Many amazing guest speakers shared their commitment to animal welfare and their professional expertise with the students. Board member, Dr. Pam Corey demonstrated the ancient science of Chinese acupuncture on Sal, a gentle pony. The students then had the opportunity to performed acupressure on Sal as well as Oscar and Junior, two friendly donkeys.
Dr. Robert Perry, an equine veterinarian showed students how thermography works and how it is used to treat and diagnose lameness. He also brought an actual leg and hoof from a deceased horse for the children to study. Each student had the opportunity to listen to a horse’s heartbeat and gut sounds with a stethoscope. Each learned how to calculate a horse’s rate of respiration.
Bob and Cathy Horvath, certified wildlife rehabilitators spoke passionately about protecting wildlife habitats. They brought many beautiful animals including owls, hawks, fox, porcupine, and skunk- all not releasable due to injury.
Terri Yezzi, founder of Save A Tail brought two shelter rescues Giddian, a sweet pit bull and Milinka lively mixed breed. She trained both as agility dogs. She taught the students clicker training techniques and spoke of the plight of the American pit bull.
Dorothy Luik and Hop, her three legged dog, represented the League for Animal Protection. Dorothy discussed the importance choosing the right shelter dog to join your family and the need to “adopt not shop.” The students played an interactive game of logic matching shelter dogs with appropriate families.
Kellei Burke, Director of Animal Care at the Ecology Site took the students on behind the scene tours everyday where they met many of the resident animals including a Emily, the binturong and Callie and Valor our wild mustangs. She shared their stories of rescue and healing. Donna Cabble and Kathy Honrine enriched the children’s learning experience by sharing their knowledge and love of animals.
We discussed many topics : puppy mills, Premarin mares and their foals. the carriage horse industry, factory farming, animal testing, humane euthanasia, animal intelligence and compassion. Alternatives and solutions were shared so that so that we can make informed and kind choices.
