By Jane Welch-Maiolo
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
Two assistance dogs and a host of caged avians experienced their first encounter with one another when Nature’s Nursery teamed up with the Ability Center on April 8.
Because Nature’s Nursery is now open to the public, Jamie Forbush, education director, approached the Ability Center for suggestions on how to make the nursery inclusive for people of all abilities.
Forbush explained that the purpose of introducing the dogs is not just to see how man’s best friend will react, but also to observe the reaction of some of the nursery’s permanent residents, including a host of birds.
“We want to make sure our animals aren’t shuddering near the service animals,” she said.
Upon arrival assistance dogs in training Goldie and Venti, both females, moved slowly through the nursery passing by a number of animals.
During that time, they also performed routine tasks, such as retrieving keys that had fallen, demonstrating their ability to remain focused despite their surroundings and distractions.
Goldie and Venti then walked slowly by a large bird cage in the hall where they were met by one of the birds, JoJo, squawking loudly as they approached.
For their part the two dogs ignored the bird, and seemed only mildly interested in the cage.
The dogs visited with nearly all of the nursery’s 24 animals, an exception being Harrison hawk, whom nursery personnel believe would not respond well to the dogs.
After observing the interaction, Forbush believes the visit went better than expected, noting that most of the animals displayed little to no reaction to the visitors.
Jefferson, an American kestrel, did retreat into his birdhouse, but Mary Lou, a crow, whom they expected to have anxiety issues, handled the visit well.
Forbush said knowing ahead of time which animals will be upset provides nursery staff time to cover the cage or take other action to remove the animal from the stressful environment.
Nature’s Nursery, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, is now open to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 6 p.m.
A nonprofit organization, its mission is to improve the well-being of Northwest Ohio wildlife populations and habitats through public education and rehabilitation.
Allison Aey, executive director, encourages residents throughout Northwest Ohio to visit and learn more about the wildlife they serve.
The Ability Center, a nonprofit serving all of Northwest Ohio, advocates for people with disabilities and works to provide them with independent living.
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