Bridging the Gap between Animal Shelters and Human Services
Making A Difference Stepping Up Program
Through this unique program, people who are in a bad situation and find themsleves homeless can get back on their feet. The program gives them an education in the animal welfare sector but also gives them skills they can use in any job or career they may choose. Your Donation to this program will assist a person who needs help rejoin society and support themselves. You Can Help Today!
The SPCA is also listed on
Just Give.org Search by EIN # 80-0104376
Young People's Education Program
The Young People's Education program sponsored by the SPCA is a program designed to take teaching of children about responsible pet ownership to the classroom. We understand that the "old ways, ideals, and beliefs" are still very prevalent in our area. Our staff believes that it is necessary to begin to change those ideals and beliefs, turning them into new ways, by teaching our young people. The old ideas of chaining dogs in the back yard, refusing to spay and neuter, (even though we hate dealing with a new litter of puppies every time a bitch comes in heat) etc, must be changed and new values and morals taught that show respect and compassion for our four legged companions. Rarely are things like Animal Abuse and Non-compassion natural human instincts but rather taught to us by those we look up to as children.
The SPCA wants to do what we can to help change those attitudes. Our classes have been specifically designed with children in mind. We work to show kids that "It's Cool to Care" by coming to the classroom and introducing them to dogs and cats that are treated properly and with love and affection everyday. This allows them to see and touch an animal that is is many cases unlike any they have ever truly seen before. We show them dogs that are well trained so that they see the importance of Basic Obedience. We show them dogs that are trained as Service Dogs for the handicapped so that they can see how much is possible from a pet that is cared for the right way. We teach them about Animal Abuse, what it is, how to spot it, and what to do if they see it. With this they learn why it is vital that we do not abuse our pets.
Charlie and Lucy, a Service Dog in training, showing what Service Dogs do
The Young People's Education program is open to any classroom or school, 4H club, Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop, or other young people's group or organization. We invite teachers and principals, scout masters and troop leaders, church youth leaders, or anyone involved in a youth organization or group, to get involved in teaching your students about responsible pet care by allowing us to visit your classroom, club house, or meeting place, to speak with your kids. Our classes are designed kids who are in the 1st thru 6th grades, and may be taught to more than 1 grade at a time. We provide the materials and the instruction... You provide the classroom or auditorium and the kids. Note: We do allow children to meet and pet the animals. We understand that some children may be afraid of dogs. We do not force our dogs on any child. Any interaction is up to the child.
The Young People's Education Course by the SPCA is free of charge to any school or young people's organization.
The staff truly believes in the purpose of these classes and are happy to come and provide the instruction for them.
If you like the class and the presentation, donations from your organization in the way of a fundraising event for the shelter would be greatly appreciated, but are never a requirement. We would be happy to attend any event you may put on with dogs and cats up for adoption, and our information booth.
Click on any Class # to view the specific Class Plan, (what we include and discuss in each class)
How to meet and greet a strange dog & Caring for your pet:
Instructors:
Charlie Campbell, Past-President & Founder SPCA,
Beth Levine, SPCA Training Director May be assisted by: Jenny Nelson, Executive Director and,
Josh Cunha, General Manager
What is animal abuse? (How to recognize it and what to do):
Instructors:
Charlie Campbell, Past-President & Founder SPCA,
Beth Levine, SPCA Training Director May be assisted by: Jenny Nelson, Executive Director and,
Josh Cunha, General Manager
Working Dogs - What are they and how are they useful?):
Instructors:
Charlie Campbell, Past-President & Founder SPCA,
Beth Levine, SPCA Training Director May be assisted by: Jenny Nelson, Executive Director and,
Josh Cunha, General Manager
'EXAMPLE'
Feb 24th, 2010.
Charlie Campbell, (Past-President & Founder of the SPCA) Beth Levine, (Training Director) and Josh Cunha, (General Manager) visited the Yellville/Summit elementary school to showcase the SPCA's Service Dog program. Our intent was to teach students what Service Dogs are and how they can help disabled people enjoy a more satisfying way of life, as well as using unwanted and stray "shelter" dogs as Service Dogs. We took Chaka, a Doberman Pinscher that is fully trained and has been a working service dog for Beth for several years, along with Lucy, (Goose) a 4 month old Lab/Pyrenees pup that is being trained to work for Charlie. Josh filmed the event held in the gymnasium. We went through showing the kids many different things the dogs can do, explained some of the ways they are taught to do these things, and answered many questions asked by the students and staff.
We also took Patches, Charlie's own 2 year old calico cat who works as a therapy animal to showcase how these types of animals are helpful to people who are shut in (in nursing homes and hospitals).
Beth and Charlie demonstrating what Service Dogs do
Charlie explaining the difference between Service Animals and Therapy Aniamls
Our classes run 1 - 1 1/2 hours each and can be scheduled as 3 separate classes throughout the school year.
Handouts are provided to students at each class.
Tip: Yellville/Summit schedules a single class for 3 or 4 grades at once.
Currently Scheduling for the 2010/2011 school year
All animals brought into the public venue are up to date on all vaccinations. Proof of vaccinations will be provided. All animals used in our classes are safe around people and have been specifically trained to be gentle with children.
"Service Dog & Therapy Animals" and "What is animal abuse" classes are also available to any ADULT group ! VFW, Masons, Religious groups, etc.
Please call for more information.
