February 2016

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The latest issue of Bark! should be on your school library shelf. This issue has something for everyone. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the article on the iconic Canadian beaver. Those more into the slow and slimy will enjoy reading about the amazing endangered blue slug. Cat lovers can learn how to make a difference for community cats. Trivia buffs may want to brush up on their chicken facts. And for those who are thinking about a career with animals, check out the interview with Special Provincial Constable John Meneray.

Included in this issue is a special feature just for teachers and librarians. Packaged with Bark!, you will find the book Nobody’s Cats and a teacher guide. Though it uses simplistic language, this book has higher level concepts, making it suitable for multiple grade levels.

If you are a teacher in British Columbia, and would like to order a class set of this issue, please email us. Be sure to include your name, number of students, grade, school name and address and we’ll package them up and send them off for your class to enjoy.

Remember, we appreciate any feedback on Bark! or any of our educational materials. If you have a suggestion for a story or want to share a project by a student or your class, let us know.

The Forgotten Rabbit
by Nancy Furstinger
illustrated by Nancy Lane

What happens when rabbits are bought as gifts, impulsively and without thought to their future care? This is the question addressed in The Forgotten Rabbit.

Born on a farm to a loving mother, the rabbit who narrates this tale is purchased as an Easter gift for children. Initially, the rabbit – called Bunny – receives plenty of care and attention. But soon the kids turn their interest to other things, and Bunny’s cage is moved to the backyard. As the seasons change and winter eventually sets in, the reader sees how Bunny suffers. Thankfully, a girl named Rosalita adopts Bunny, changes her named to Bella and gives her a good life in her new home.

Though they are the third most popular pet in North America, rabbits are still often viewed as disposable, or relegated to the backyard. The Forgotten Rabbit gives attention to the unique care needs of rabbits, highlighting the importance of a loving, indoor home, companionship and exercise. With colourful, full-page illustrations, this is not only a touching story, but also an excellent introduction to rabbit welfare.

The Forgotten Rabbit is recommended for readers in Kindergarten and up.

Get more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

Check out the take action ideas in the latest issue of Bark! to help cats in your community. Did you know that there are tens of thousands of cats in B.C. living outdoors with no one to care for them? There are lots of ways to help. Here are just a few:

• Gather cat supplies for your local shelter or rescue group
• Make an easy and inexpensive winter shelter to help keep outdoor cats warm
• Hold a fundraiser to support Trap/Neuter/Release programs to pay for the cost of neutering
• Share what you’ve learned about community cats with others by reading the book Nobody’s Cats (found in your school and local library) to younger students and talk about how everyone can help

Don’t forget to let us know about any event or project your club is doing so that we can put it up on our website and maybe even feature it in one of our Bark! magazines.

Certified Organic. SPCA Certified. Do you know what those labels mean?

Up until recently, organic dairy products could come from cows who are tied up for most of the day. But now, thanks to the work of farmers, veterinarians, scientists, government agencies and special interest groups like the BC SPCA, national organic standards have improved welfare not only for dairy cattle, but for poultry and meat rabbits as well. While there are differences between organic and SPCA Certified standards, the two programs are complementary.

Learn more about this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.

Kindness counts
(Primary)

  Bite free
(Primary/intermediate)

Making the right choice
(Intermediate)

You can make a difference
(Intermediate)

  The farm-food connection
(Intermediate)

Cats in the community
(Intermediate)

Including animals in social justice
(Intermediate/Secondary)

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On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support.