Το πρόγραμμα ενημέρωσης και ευαισθητοποίησης "Συμβιώνω με τα ζώα γύρω μου", που στήθηκε μετά από τη συνεργασία του Φιλοζωικού Συλλόγου Χανίων "Η Προστασία των Ζώων", της Μ.Κ.Ο. "Ζωφόρος" Ηρακλείου Κρήτης, της Πανελλαδικής Φιλοζωικής και Περιβαλλοντικής Ομοσπονδίας και της Πανελλαδικής Συντονιστικής Επιτροπής Ζωοφιλικών Σωματείων, ολοκλήρωσε το πρώτο του έτος. Κατά τη διάρκεια του ενημερώθηκαν περίπου 7.950 μαθητές στα σχολεία Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης των νησιών του Αιγαίου και της Κρήτης. Η προσπάθεια αυτή θα ήταν αδύνατη χωρίς τη συμβολή φιλοζωικών συλλόγων, εκπαιδευτικών, τοπικών φορέων και φιλόζωων, που την αγκάλιασαν. Ελπίζουμε, ότι το έργο αυτό θα συνεχιστεί με τη στήριξη, που θα συνεχίσουν να του παρέχουν εκείνοι, οι οποίοι πραγματικά πιστεύουν, ότι το ζήτημα των ζώων είναι πρώτα από όλα ζήτημα παιδείας.
Υπάρχουν τόσα πράγματα που μπορούν να κάνουν τα παιδιά για να βοηθήσουν τα άγρια ζώα. Εδώ θα βρείτε μια λίστα με δραστηριότητες για να ξεκινήσετε. Αν έχετε δικές σας ιδέες θα χαρούμε πολύ να τις μοιραστείτε μαζί μας. Δείτε περισσότερα εδώ.
Encourage everyone you know to adopt a pet from a local shelter. Since almost 4 million pets die every year in shelters, it’s up to us to make sure more of our friends and family adopt appropriate pets, and do not buy wild animals. Never shop at pet stores or at breeders when you’re looking for a pet. Share the slogan “Adopt – don’t Shop!”
Be sure your pet is spayed or neutered so he/she doesn’t have babies. We have plenty of pets that already need homes, so don’t create more.
Always be sure your pet is micro-chipped and wearing an identification collar. If they should become lost, they don’t know how to explain where they came from. That’s up to you to do for them.
Never be shy about showing your kindness to animals. Be a role model to your friends by letting them know how important it is to you that all animals be treated well, whether they’re lizards, snakes, cats, dogs, bunnies, deer, birds, etc.
Don’t go to circuses, traveling exhibits in malls, or fairs that use wild animals. This is no way of life for a wild animal. Be sure to let everyone know why you won’t be going, either. If you speak up to your friends and adults around you, they’ll listen.
You may be tempted to have your picture taken with a baby wild animal or even pet a wild animal. Don’t do it! If you do, you encourage more and more of these baby animals to be born. Most have no place to go when they grow up.
If your school talks about bringing in a wild animal for display, for you to touch and play with, let them know this is wrong. If every school did this, it would mean more and more baby wild animals would be born. That’s why there are already so many homeless wild animals. Too many people have taken them around, using them when they’re small, for what they call education. It’s not education, though, so tell your school and teachers not to do this.
There are so many books and nature shows about wild animals. Learn as much as you can so you can be a voice for the animals. The animals are counting on you to speak for them.
Don’t ever wear anything that is made from fur or animal skins. With fleece and nice thick jackets, we don’t need to wear animal’s fur anymore to stay warm. If you are in a store where they’re selling fur, be sure to go up and speak to the employees there and tell them they shouldn’t do this. The way animals die when their fur is stripped from them is very cruel.
Every city or county has an animal abuse line. Be sure to keep it handy and call it if you ever see anyone mistreating an animal or if you see someone with a wild animal they’re trying to keep as a pet.
Use your computer to email your representatives in Congress to ask that they support laws to protect wild animals and not allow wild animals as pets. You can find who represents your family : http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
If someone takes you to the zoo, ask where the animals stay when the zoo closes for the night and if you can see it. If your zoo is celebrating some new baby wild animals there, ask them where do the older animals go to make room for them?
Always be sure to pick up litter, especially plastic bags, bottles, and wrappers. Wild animals don’t know this isn’t food and many of them will die if they eat the garbage we leave behind.
Try to eat as many meals as you can that include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. The less meat you eat, the more land is available for wild animals to live on. They need their wild habitat and you can help give it back to them.
Visit your local shelter or wildlife sanctuary to learn how you can help the animals by volunteering or holding fundraising events to help pay for their food and care.
Instead of presents for your next birthday, why not have a “wild” animal party and ask all your friends to bring along donations for your favorite wild animal sanctuary. We hope it’s The Wildcat Sanctuary!
Bake sales, car washes, walk-a-mile fundraising events all help when you donate the money you earn to a wildlife sanctuary. Sanctuaries struggle to raise money to house, feed, and care for homeless animals. You can be a huge help by coming up with fun ways to buy treats and necessary items for the animals.
Volunteer & Learn at the Same Time
No matter what age you are or what grade you’re in, there are so many ways you can volunteer for animals and make that part of your learning, too. We’ve listed lots of different school projects you can do that will help promote the goals of our No More Wild Pets program and, many times, you can get school credit for these, too! Talk to your teachers and professors to see if they’ll include them in their lesson plans so many more students can participate and help.
ART PROJECTS – VISUAL OR INDUSTRIAL
Painting, sculpture, photography, film, woodworking, graphic design, etc.
Paint the walls of the shelter, creating rooms with animals painted on the walls or an educational mural in a public area
Build climbing toys for cats
Create a video of shelter activities (e.g., a series of public service announcements for local TV spots or off-site presentations)
Make posters advertising the organization and special events
Create animal portraits or “paw print” art as a fundraiser
Create a film or video on proper pet care that can be shown to shelter visitors or other students
Build a magazine rack, shelving, cabinets, etc., for the shelter lobby or storage areas
Design, form, and paint receptacles for use in public venues as collection “boxes” for donations (can be made of wood, plaster, ceramic, etc., but should all have a theme centered around animals, whether in the actual shape of the containers themselves or in the motif applied to them)
Collect old and take new photographs of dogs and cats in different places, poses and situations. Place them in mats and frames along the walls in the shelter lobby and other public places. Whether dramatic, poignant, or cute, the photographs should make an impact, tell a story, or relate a specific message.
Create drawings, take photographs, or select photographs for use in organization’s website and publications such as brochures and newsletters/fliers
Submit original art for the organization’s fundraising calendar
Build benches, bookshelves, and other furniture for a children’s reading area in a public area at facility
Take before-and-after pictures of pets that have had major grooming make-overs and frame them for display in the entrance lobby
Video record or create a slideshow of the shelter in a tour-style fashion to be played at off-site presentations
Paint paw prints on the floor of the front lobby leading in the direction of the adoption areas
Assist in creation of humane education props such as designing and cutting out felt story board characters
Organize a coloring contest for younger children and help them with their projects
Design promotional items such as bumper stickers and t-shirts to be used at adoption events
Design and make leash holders or food bowl stands in metal or shop class to be auctioned or sold as a fundraiser
Sculpt bowls, vases, jewelry, etc., to sell as a fundraiser
BUSINESS – MARKETING
Create a plan and materials for a public awareness campaign concerning spay/neuter, licensing, fundraising, etc.
Create a catchy slogan for the shelter to be put on t-shirts, magnets, or bumper stickers
Brainstorm fundraising ideas to raise money for the shelter; plan community events; create activities and assist with marketing
Assist with writing grants (teens can do research and can write outlines or even rough drafts of grants)
Schedule meetings with various real estate agents, small business owners, veterinary clinics, and community service organizations to solicit sponsorships and partnerships
Contact local radio stations to inquire about live remote shows during organization events
Make bandanas that have shelter’s name, address, and phone for the adoptable pets to wear (dogs can be taken to walk-a-thons, the park, etc.)
Set up a shelter information booth at county fairs and other community events to market organization
Write public service announcements concerning topics that are important to the community
Create an ad for the local newspaper or magazine promoting organization events
Market and sell a book created by youth or the shelter, which educates about proper companion animals to adopt.
Conduct a “movie theater” showing half-hour videos on humane education topics
Distribute fliers in libraries, grocery stores, and privately owned businesses; pamphlets can either be generalized regarding responsible pet ownership or can relate to the shelter’s policies, programs, and/or needs
DRAMA – THEATER
Form a theater group in which the students perform for other classes or give demonstrations at the shelter; the demonstrations can include proper pet care tips (These skits can be taped and used in schools or community organizations.)
Develop and perform puppet shows centered around a theme pertaining to No More Wild Pets, humane education, responsible pet care, or the life of an animal in the shelter; book time at school assemblies, First Night celebrations, holiday pageants in the mall, kids camps, etc.
LANGUAGE ARTS
English, reading, literature, writing, speaking
Develop and present humane education presentations for students their age and younger
Read current events on animal and environmental issues and write to elected officials, newspapers, newsletters, etc., to express opinion
Review books and create a list of humane books for various grades levels
Write poems or short stories about animals, nature, wildlife, working in the animal shelter, etc.; collect the poems into an anthology to be placed in the library or shelter as an educational tool
Form reading circles in organization’s conference room, local elementary schools, after school programs, youth groups, and church groups in which students read to younger children; conduct reading hour with a humane book at library or organization
Write lyrics for jingles promoting the adoption of shelter animals on local radio stations; ask stations to play them as public service announcements
Collaborate with the drama students and write script for humane themed plays; present these to the community or younger grades
Write animal descriptions or individual “stories” to attach to cages for each pet available for adoption; write “happy ending” adoption stories for shelter website
Write and present an educational speech to be given in conjunction with a spay/neuter campaign or other humane education topic
Write and design educational booklets to be handed out in conjunction with shelter tours
Facilitate an elementary school essay contest and act as a judge
Research different animals and their habitats, in books and online; create a picture book highlighting the animals (These can be displayed in the lobby or sold.)
Write a children’s book dealing with proper care of domestic animals or respect for wildlife. These can be given to schools, placed in the shelter lobby, or sold. (This could develop into a larger Business/Publishing project.)
HEALTH – PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Develop a presentation, pamphlet, or video on health benefits associated with pet ownership, to be shared in the community or as a public service announcement
Organize a community walking program such as “Walk Your Dog in the Park” day and log heart rates of both humans and companion animals
Plan or participate in a pet walk to raise funds for the organization
Create a pet agility class that provides activities for kids/pets
Create, plan, and present public education seminars on animal health. Cover topics such as weight management, proper nutrition and special needs diets, heartworm prevention and treatment, grooming, the importance of vaccinations, etc.
Create pet first aid kits or emergency evacuation kits to be distributed to the public
Research and develop a diet program for older or diabetic pets at the shelter
Organize a pet health fair at shelter, school, or community center
LIVING SKILLS
Research and design a pamphlet or public service announcement comparing the care, time, and money required for babies and companion animals to promote an understanding of the responsibilities associated with owning an animal for life. Promote No More Wild Pets as the theme.
Work with the animal shelter, local food bank, schools, and veterinarians to set up a program where donations of pet food and care products are raised to help families in need
Sew cat toys and animal beds for homeless companion animals
Research organizations, scholarships, funds and other avenues of financial aid available for spay/neuter; compile list for those in need of assistance
Make pet food/treats for shelter animals; research any health benefits to homemade food/treats rather than store bought food/treats
Socialize litters of kittens and puppies and keep a “socialization journal” to allow potential adopters to track progress and see what the animal has learned or how they have progressed
Create various companion animal care fliers/posters that can be given to the public
Create and maintain a feeding schedule for sheltered animals
Hold fundraising dinner where students learn dish place settings, food preparation, budgeting, and the benefits of a vegetarian diet
Measure amount of fencing, wall board, etc. that is needed to build animal housing for use by an animal sheltering organization or animal control officers
MATHEMATICS – STATISTICS
Collect data and develop a presentation or public service announcement concerning pet overpopulation, the benefits of spay/neuter, and the Captive Wildlife Crisis
Research and collect data for organization use (e.g., spay/neuter, the number of registered animals in the community, dog bites, stray dogs, number of pets in household, etc.)
Research the cost of a license versus the fees when ticketed for compliance failure and the statistics of licensed pets who are returned to owners; create a flier to promote licensing of pets
Develop statistical charts and graphs to illustrate numbers of animals brought in to the shelter, numbers adopted, average age and stay of animals, number of wild animal accredited sanctuaries, etc.; can be used by staff and for educational purposes
Create an age appropriate feeding schedule for animals and measure appropriate amounts of food for each animal
Learn about animal cruelty laws in your state; create a community flier showing the statistical connection between those who hurt animals and those who hurt
MUSIC
Choir, marching band, jazz band, orchestra
Coordinate or perform in a musical concert or dance as a fundraiser
Write music to accompany shelter radio jingles, videos, PowerPoint presentations, or public service announcements; facilitate the performance and recording of jingles
Sing or play music at outreach events
Write songs that teach children about proper pet care and appropriate pet choices for use in humane education lessons
Create a classical music mix CD to be played in animal areas to help ease stress
Work with school athletic boosters to dedicate a halftime show to the presentation of adoptable companion animals
Research the wildlife at a sanctuary or waterway and create a lesson for younger students about the importance of protecting habitats and endangered species
Create a habitat at the school, park, or shelter to attract wildlife, insects, or birds and learn the benefits of these species
Research the ways in which people can cope with and conquer their allergies to pet dander; include medicines, homeopathics, air filtration systems, and foods; create a brochure to help allergy sufferers and for public information in order to encourage adoptions
Learn about the needs of various wildlife species and develop plans to enhance environments at local wildlife center or rehabilitation center
Research eco-systems and companion animal friendly plants; landscape the shelter after learning appropriate plants for climate, size, area, foot traffic, etc.
Hold a park clean up to benefit wildlife; research indigenous animals and plants
Research animal and eco-friendly products and create a directory of products for shelter and public use
Research indigenous animals and hold a walk through a park with guides telling about the animals (funds raised benefit wildlife organizations)
Write to state legislators to express opinions on bills concerning humane issues and to encourage an end to breeding wild animals
Study state legislature voting records on humane topics and prepare leaflets so the community knows where a candidate stands on issues based on past votes
Study the origin and importance of animal related laws, such as leash laws, licensing laws, captive wildlife, etc., and create a public service announcement
Study local, state, and federal laws and other nations’ legislation concerning humane and anti-cruelty laws, wild animals in circuses and traveling exhibitions, ownership of captive exotics. Present findings to other high school students
Research the history of the shelter or sanctuary and create a timeline to be placed in the lobby and/or create a history scrap book to be placed at events
Research animal advocates of the past (such as George Angell, Mahatma Gandhi, Leo Tolstoy, Thomas Paine, or Abraham Lincoln) and create a book of quotes to be placed in shelter lobby or at educational events
Study the connection between abuse of animals and interpersonal violence (use historical documents and court cases); write letters to the editor concerning the connection or create a public service announcement
Research and write about how animal treatment in the U.S. differs from other countries and create a display for local schools or the public library
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION – COMPUTER
Assist with web publishing for organization; help create a teens or kids page
Upload photos, videos, and descriptions of adoptable pets to websites such as petfinder.com and pets911.com
Create a Facebook, MySpace, and/or other online social networking pages for the shelter
Help update databases for the sanctuary or shelter
Create and produce public service announcements concerning No More Wild Pets program. Share these widely on social media
Create an online book for young people and post on organization’s website
Create PowerPoint presentations or slide shows to be used by the shelter or sanctuary in public education
WORLD LANGUAGES – ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Translate sanctuary or shelter literature, videos, humane education materials, etc., into other languages to make the literature more accessible to those for whom English is not their first language
Design fliers and posters to post in neighborhood schools and community center where Spanish (or other language) is the primary language
Research animal protection issues and organizations in different countries and explore the need for translators in those areas
Create a public awareness campaign for the local shelter written in another language or using pictures for non-readers
Participate in mobile spay/neuter clinic as a translator
Present seminars on humane education (e.g., spay/neuter) to non-English speakers
A special thank you goes out to all of the humane educators who contributed to this list. If you do any of these projects, or if you have an idea for a service learning project that’s not listed here, please let us know at www.wildcatsanctuary.org!
Now that you’ve brought your special friend home, it’s time to make sure you do everything to make sure your pet is happy and healthy. Our friends at Best Friends Animal Society have an excellent website where you’ll find answers to all the questions that may come up as you enjoy your new pet.
Best Friends Animal Society also has a page that provides answers to the most frequently-asked questions about animal issues. You’ll want to keep this website handy as you and your pet spend lots of time together!
