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Union preschoolers learn about pet care
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Kim Henry and Holly (left), a kitten from Animal Charity Humane Shelter, met with students from Poland Union Elementary to teach the children about proper care for animals. Preschooler Samantha (right) gave a friendly pet to Holly to say hello.
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While visiting the preschool classrooms of Union Preschool's Joy Bucci and Janice Brant, Animal Charity's Kim Henry (rear) and shelter kitten Holly taught the children about animal care.
By SARAH FOOR
Animal Charity Humane Society education coordinator Kim Henry is on a mission.
She is all about making sure every animal has a good home and proper care. To that end, the organization teaches these skills to all ages, including the excited students of Union Preschool on Jan. 7, when Henry taught proper pet care to the students with shelter cat, Holly.
Henry’s presentation at Union Preschool included a wealth of advice and information for the 5- and 6-year-olds who all admitted they would love to own a kitten or puppy.
“Many people think they want a pet like a puppy, until they have to take care of them,” Henry explained to the students. “Those are the animals people usually leave at our shelter. You have to be very responsible when you want a pet.”
To explain her message in a way the students would understand, Henry used story books and toys to teach the children how to take care of their animals. She used felt and velcro characters to show that dogs need things like water, food, a doghouse, a fence and exercise.
After Henry’s discussion, she introduced the kids to Holly, but told them to be careful because Holly had surgery the day before. The children shared stories with Henry about the animals they have at home and how they help their parents with pet care responsibilities.
Joy Bucci’s student, Nico, told Henry he had always wanted a puppy.
“You have to be ready to work for it,” Henry told him.
“I think now, I’m ready,” Nico explained. “I have advice and I’m prepared to do it.”