The BC SPCA

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March 2013

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Small animals take the spotlight this month at the BC SPCA, and we have more than 200 waiting in our shelters for forever homes.

bunnyThough they may seem like easy pets to keep, many of these small critters live in less than ideal conditions.

Store-bought habitats often do not provide the right types of stimulation to keep small animals busy.

It is important to provide a living space that somewhat mimics an animal’s natural habitat in order for them to express behaviours that promote well-being (one of the Five Freedoms).

We are here to help. The BC SPCA has created small animal care guides for rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils, hamsters, and mice and a information sheet on degus (the care guide is in the works).

We have also developed a classroom pet policy to assist teachers who may be thinking about adopting a pet for the classroom.

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Book Review

Guinea-pig Gang by Lucy Daniels

ginea pig gagIn this installment of the Animal Ark Pets series, protagonist Mandy Hope and her friends are gaga for guinea pigs – so much so that they form a “Guinea-pig Gang” to bring their pets together and to talk about proper care.

When one of the girls, Lisa refuses to bring her guinea pig, Carla to the group, Mandy knows that something’s up. 

As Mandy soon discovers, Lisa would love to take part, but her big sister poses a big problem.

When Lisa must prove herself as a responsible pet guardian or risk losing Carla forever, Mandy helps her hatch a plan to become the blue ribbon winner at the local pet show.

A chapter book suitable for grades 3 to 5, Guinea-pig Gang teaches crucial lessons about the responsibility of pet care, and the importance of knowing what’s involved before bringing an animal home.

Read more BC SPCA book recommendations

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School Club Tip

When people think of the BC SPCA, dogs and cats are often the only animals that come to mind, but most of our shelters also have small animals.

guinea-pig-240.jpgSince March is Small Animal Month, why not hold a “veggie drive” to make life a bit brighter for some of the more petite shelter residents?

Consider collecting donations of dark leafy greens such as kale, beet leaves and carrot tops, or a flake of hay for the rabbits and guinea pigs.

Keeping small animals happy also means providing them with things to chew and tunnel through. Paper tubes from toilet tissue or paper towels make great playground equipment for hamsters, mice and gerbils.

Check with your local shelter to see what types of small animals they have and what donations they need.

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Current Events

Why not check out some of the small animals available for adoption at the SPCA?

Not only do they have charming personalities and behaviours, but most small animals are also clean, quiet pets. This is why small animals can make great pets for people with restrictions where they live.

Remember though, while they may be small in size, that doesn’t necessarily translate to a small amount of care. Small animals have unique needs; prospective guardians should do their research so they know what to expect.

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

BCSPCA Staff: company_logo

The BC SPCA has classroom resources for grades K-7. The lessons integrate animal issues and information into existing provincial learning outcomes. Bite Free is on the recommended resource list for Health and Career Planning for grades K-5. 

Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.

 

BC SPCA Lesson Plan: Kindness Counts

Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)

 

  Companions for Life (Gr. 3-5)

Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)

 

  You can make a difference (Gr. 5-7)

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

 

BC SPCA Lesson Plan: Cluck!

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

 

BC SPCA Lesson Plan: Bite Free

  Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)

 

 

 

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Please do not reply to this email, as it is for distribution purposes only. If you have comments or questions about this newsletter or related information, please email Paula Neuman, Humane Education Supervisor.

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