November 2014

If you’ve always wanted to volunteer for the BC SPCA but couldn’t find the time or thought it would be tough to leave the animals behind, we’ve got the volunteer job for you.

We are looking for a teacher representative from each school district in the province to help us get the word out about our programs and provide some feedback on new projects.

Right from your own home or classroom, you can help us test out new activities, be your school representative for the BC SPCA, review materials, and send us your ideas for animal-themed lessons for the classroom.  

The time commitment for this volunteer position? Just one hour, three to four times a year.

If you would like to volunteer as a Humane Education Teacher Representative, please email me.

The Stray Dog
by Marc Simont

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont is a Caldecott Honor Book about a family that encounters a stray dog at a park.

Short, simple sentences tell this emotional, appealing true story. After playing with a dog, whom they fondly name Willy, all day at a park, the family leaves him behind thinking he must belong to someone. But as the days go by they can’t stop thinking about him. The next week they see Willy at the park, but he is being chased by the dog catcher. Quick thinking and talking convinces the dog catcher that Willy is their dog. This time Willy goes home with them and becomes part of the family.

Even before the title page, wordless illustrations depict how the stray dog finds food by digging in a garbage bag, and the desire the children have for a dog by watching dogs at a dog park. Once the text begins the illustrator includes images that clearly depict the joy the kids have when playing with the dog, the agony of wondering if they did the right thing by leaving him behind, the intimidation and worry when they meet the dog catcher and finally the excitement of making Willy part of the family.

This is a great story about the joys of giving an animal a loving home. It stresses that adopting a pet is a family decision and illustrates some of the perils of life as a stray. The only issue that should be addressed which is not in the book is that the family does not check for ID (microchip or tattoo) or put up “Found” posters to see if the dog does belong to someone.

Read more BC SPCA book recommendations.

 ‘Tis the season for holiday craft fairs. Making or receiving a homemade gift can create a treasured memory. Why not have a club day or two of gift-making for pets and people who love their pets? There are many DIY (do-it-yourself) projects online.  To help get you started, check out these cat tents, dog mud mitts, cat and dog treat puzzles for pets and animal bookends or vases for people who love animals. Make them for your friends or family or sell them at a craft fair!

If you’re talking about elections this month with your class, we have some tips on what to ask your candidates. With municipal elections just around the corner, knowing a candidate’s position on issues that are important to you can greatly influence your decision on Election Day.  There are several animal welfare issues that are common to every city. How elected officials handle these issues can have a great impact on animals, their guardians and the general public.
The BC SPCA has provided information on what makes a community humane, as well as four questions that could be posed to those running for election to see how they would deal with these issues. Learn more about this this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.

Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)

Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)

You Can Make a Difference
(Gr. 5-7)

  Cluck - The life of an egg-laying hen (Gr. 4-6)

  Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)

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