December 2010

Have you ever wanted to get more involved with the SPCA but don’t have the time to volunteer at a shelter? From time to time, the BC SPCA humane education department needs input from teachers for material development, promotion, piloting new programs or general feedback on new ideas and vision.

We’d like to create a database of teachers and put out a call for volunteers as we need them. You would have complete flexibility with your schedule. Let us know what grade you teach and any background information that might be applicable.

If you are interested in helping us out, please contact us.

On Parade: The Hidden World of Animals in Entertainment
by Rob Laidlaw

Using compelling non-fiction narratives and first person accounts from the author, On Parade shows young readers the many troubling aspects of using animals for entertainment.

This intelligent book explains the welfare needs of animals and delves into different types of entertainment in which animals are often harmed, including circuses, film and television, zoos, rodeos, magic shows, animal racing, animal fighting and more.

Despite its saddening subject matter, On Parade allows all readers – youth and adult – to come away with hopeful ideas for alternatives to animals in entertainment and ways they can immediately start making a difference. Featuring a list of ten ways to help animals in entertainment, On Parade offers an opportunity for student action both in the classroom and at home.

Find more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

You can help animals stay safe this season by creating posters or writing an article for your school newsletter or website about the seasonal hazards for pets.

Some of the products we use to keep us safe in the winter, such as sidewalk de-icer and antifreeze, can be harmful to animals. Luckily there are pet-safe alternatives. Ask your local hardware store or auto shop to carry pet-safe products and let people in your community know where to find these products.

During the festive season we often decorate with candles and tinsel which make our homes look beautiful, but these decorations can be dangerous. Cats can ingest tinsel or get burned by the flame of a candle – dogs can too! Often there is more food around and dogs especially can take advantage of the situation. Make sure you place food and alcoholic beverages out of reach for your pooch. Alcohol is not good for dogs, and overeating or eating foods that are not part of their normal diet can give your furry friend an upset stomach. You may end up cleaning up a mess!

Learn more about these and other pet hazards that you can share with your friends, family and community.

The Victoria and Penticton shelters are holding special three-day workshops for kids during the holidays. If you know of students who would love to spend time at the SPCA during the holidays helping animals, playing games and making cool crafts, all while learning about animal issues and ways to make a difference, let them know about this unique event. Registration is required and space is limited.

In the Lower Mainland, kids and their families are invited to Kids Days at the SPCA. Here kids will be led through activities using their special passport. This month’s theme is A Home for the Holidays. It will focus on helping animals at the shelter that have watched their pals get adopted but are still waiting to find their forever home.

Around the province there are pet photo opportunities with Santa. Visit our online provincial calendar of events for all the details.