With the Humane Society
IT’S A DOGGY DOG WORLD
BY L. BRADLEY, VOLUNTEER
Woof! Woof? Woof! Woof? Arf, arf, arf! Hoowwll! Yip, yip, yip! Bark, Bark! No, these are not the noises of a human torture chamber; it was just a visit from the Humane Society of Sarasota to the SCIL classroom. The Humane Society (an organization which provides animal protection for pets, such as dogs, cats, and other creatures) opened its doors to the public in 1954. Their mission is simple: They envision a world in which people satisfy the physical and emotional needs of a domestic animal; protect wild animals and their environment, and change the relationship with all animals that are evolving from exploitation and harm into respect and compassion.
A number of dogs and their masters come to the SCIL classroom once or twice a month for about 20-30 minutes. Different dogs come each time to grace us with their wet, sloppy kisses, cold noses to nudge into your palm and their tongues limply hanging out like flags, glad to get to know your scent. Our four footed friendly friends come from all walks of life, different shapes, sizes and colors, from toy poodles to giant St. Bernards (Paradox & Cedar). Buzz, the owner of the pair of St. Bernards, guaranteed us that you won’t need your down comforter again! Man’s best friends, at least the ones we have seen, are all therapy dogs. Their busy schedules also include hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes. Were you aware that the simple act of petting a dog reduces the risk of a heart attack by 30%?
Thanks to the Humane Society of Sarasota for bringing so much joy to the SCIL classroom every month.
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