ST. MARYS — In an effort to socialize adoptable dogs and enrich the lives of students, the Elk County Humane Society has been arranging visits at St. Marys Area Middle School for three years now.
Operations Manager Elizabeth Erich said every other week, shelter staff take pups to visit Sydney Charters’ class at the middle school. In the beginning, they started with two dogs at a time during each visit.
“Now, we only take one, so we can actually let the dogs move around the classroom and visit,” said Erich.
This program is a beneficial experience for those involved, including the dog.
“It gives the students a chance to meet different breeds and personalities of dogs. They learn how to greet new dogs and they help the dogs work on their commands. The students look forward to the visits, and will even ask when I see them around town, ‘What kind of dog are you bringing next time?’ It is a very exciting experience,” said Erich.
During the most recent visit this month, the lucky pup to visit St. Marys Area Middle School was Bubba, a 3-year-old Bulldog mix.
In addition, said Erich, this program in schools helps staff learn more about the dogs outside of the shelter environment.
“The dogs we take are well-rounded, and based on their evaluations, do well with kids and strangers,” she said.
There have even been a few times, Erich said, where she was personally surprised at how a dog responded in the school environment with students.
“One time, we took a dog that was one of the most well-rounded, outgoing dogs we have ever had,” she explained. “She did great in the office checking in and passing students in the hall, but when we got to the classroom and 13 children had all eyes on her, she became very shy. That day, we had a lesson on dog body language and how to tell if a dog is scared, and that if a dog is fearful and scared with their tail tucked, we should leave them alone.”
Then, she continued, there have been other times where the dog has anxiety when he or she is alone, but loves people and playing ball.
“Let’s just say that after 45 minutes of playing with six tennis balls going every which way around the room, he had one of his best nights’ sleep,” Erich said.
They have also worked with students in CenClear’s summer program, taking dogs to visit students, and the students visiting the shelter to see everything staff do to care for the animals. In the past, the ECHS has also hosted programs with the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, with activities like reading to the dogs or having them in an outdoor environment with students learning how to control a dog on a leash, for example.
“I enjoy the program, because it gives a small moment in time where students, staff in the classroom and the shelter staff and volunteers that go to relax and not have to worry about the pressures and stress of school, work and everyday life,” said Erich. “We try as much as possible to get the dogs out in the community and exposed as much as possible.”
Follow the Elk County Humane Society on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElkCountyHumaneSociety
More about Bubba
According to the shelter, Bubba the Bulldog mix has a personality as bright as his smile. He loves attention and would prefer to be a couch potato while he enjoys that attention. He doesn’t mind walks from time to time. He enjoys the attention of adults, but would do best in a home where he is the only animal, and without any young children (under 6 years of age). Staff believe he is house trained, and he knows several commands and walks well on a leash.
To inquire about Bubba, call the ECHS at 814-834-3247. Visit echumanesociety.org to fill out an application or learn more about the shelter and its adoptable animals.
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