The BC SPCA

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March 2017

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eTeacher_March_Desi-Vanessa_300x441.pngMany pet guardians know the positive effect their pets have on their emotional well-being. So it is not surprising that animals provide comfort to those suffering from loneliness, depression or anxiety as therapy animals in schools, senior care facilities and hospitals. When we think of therapy animals we usually think of dogs, but cats are now getting in on the action –  or rather the attention – too.

Desi, a former Vancouver shelter cat, is now helping children with autism along with her guardian, Vanessa Goncalves, a behavioural interventionist. Read about Desi and other shelter animals who have gone on to become therapy animals in different regions of the province. You can also read about the transformation of Emily, a fearful, anxious dog from the Langley 66 seizure who is now a sweet, playful therapy dog, brightening up the days of seniors at Rosewood Manor.

In the book review and school club tip below, learn how Bob, a ginger tomcat, changed the life of a homeless man struggling with addiction.

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Book Review

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A Street Cat Named Bob
By James Bowden
Reading Level: Grade 6+

James Bowden is a young man suffering from drug addiction on the streets of London. He is lonely and hopeless, barely surviving on the small amount he makes from busking. When a stray cat comes into his life the last thing he needs is another mouth to feed, but he feels connected to the cat whose run-down condition and life of hardship seems to mirror his own. A strong bond quickly develops between James and the stray, whom he names Bob, as they struggle through life’s obstacles with humour and determination.

Almost any pet guardian will relate to James and Bob’s connection; however this story goes much further to illuminate the reciprocal nature of a pet and guardian relationship. As a homeless man and an addict, James describes feeling invisible to strangers. Unexpectedly, it is his cat who humanizes him to other people and allows him to reengage with the world and share his story. The unconditional trust that Bob puts in James makes James determined not to let him down. Through Bob’s eyes he learns to see himself as someone who can be relied upon, deserving of love and companionship. James repays Bob by providing him with the best care he can give and illustrates many ways in which low-income pet owners can still provide optimal animal welfare.

A Street Cat Named Bob offers many opportunities for critical thinking and addresses social issues that many of us experience or observe every day, such as homelessness, addiction and oppression. Students can consider how all animals and humans have the same basic needs and rights, and why those needs are met for some but not for others. The empathy James feels for Bob reminds us of the empathy we should strive to feel for all the animals and humans that we encounter throughout our lives.


Get more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

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School Club Tip

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A Street Cat Named Bob is now a movie, released in November 2016.  It is rated in the UK as a 12A which means it is suitable for kids 12 and older. If the members of your club are age 12 or older, why not show this movie during a club meeting?  It will warm your heart and even turn any dog lovers into at least  “cats are pretty cool” people.

If your club members like to read, you could also read the book, A Street Cat Named Bob and discuss it in a book club format. Check out the Yarmouth school junior book club’s discussion questions for ideas.

Meet James and Bob in this video. It may inspire you to read the book or entice your club to watch the movie.

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Current Events

eTeacher_March_Bernese-pup_125x125.pngThe rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the birthday reunion for some pretty special pups recently.

More than 30  people came out to see the reunion of the eight Bernese pups and their mom. The puppies were rescued during a cruelty investigation last year with the help of the RCMP, when the puppies were only two weeks old. The litter was malnourished, dehydrated and found in substandard living conditions. Cared for in a foster home and requiring round-the-clock care and multiple vet check-ups when they first came into BC SPCA care, the dogs were all adopted into loving homes with help from the Burnaby SPCA.

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

 

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The BC SPCA has classroom resources for grades K-7. The lessons integrate animal issues and information into existing provincial learning outcomes. 

Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.

 

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Kindness counts
(Primary)

 

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  Bite free
(Primary/intermediate)

 

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Making the right choice
(Intermediate)

 

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You can make a difference
(Intermediate)

 

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  The farm-food connection
(Intermediate)

 

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Cats in the community
(Intermediate)


 

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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.