Humane EDUCATION: What Volunteers are saying about the
Washington Humane Society's SPEAK (Sharing Positive Experiences - Animals & Kids)

I volunteer with the Humane Society's education program because of the educational component of the program and because of the quality of the people who organize the program. I think that the education about pet care that the students receive is very valuable. I was very impressed with the students that I visited with at Ross elementary school. They already knew so much about the importance of taking care of animals. Our visit was educational and tied to what the students had learned in the classroom.

I think the students are able to connect and apply what they learnedin the classroom to a real dog. The interaction between our dog(a handicapped dog) and the children is extremely valuable. The children see how much extra work is involved in taking care of a handicapped animal, and they see that the extra work is worth doing for such a wonderful dog.

Afie Mirshah-Nayar, Volunteer and Montgomery County Public School Teacher

I participate because it does my dogs good to meet and receive attention from a whole class of children. Both Jake and Lucy love to interact with people and it satisfies their need for stimulation. It is also an opportunity to show children what dogs need to be cared for; that dogs have personalities and feelings too; and that dogs bring great joy to people's lives. I think the children benefit by being able to interact with a large gentle dog who makes clear his affection for them and his need for their affection. Jake gets enormous satisfaction from interacting with children of all ages. He loves the attention from so many different people and it satisfies his need for work to direct his energy toward positive activities.

Patty King, Jake, Lucy, and Sophie & Toby (who stay home and hear about the visits from Jake & Lucy).

I was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would include my dog and not would involve visits to nursing homes. I heard a piece about the Washington Humane Society’s program on National Public Radio and thought, "this is perfect!" Kids and dogs. Plus, as a nurse, I once read an article stating that children who abuse animals are more likely to abuse people. If you can reach these kids and explore with them the value of an animal's life, they can gain a rich perspective about the value of their own lives as well as others. So, I participate to educate kids. My dog, Emma, is an extraordinarily empathic animal, very gentle and calm. She is wonderful for kids who are fearful of dogs.

How great for kids to see that not all dogs need to wear choke collars, to live behind a fence or be tied up. How wonderful for them to see that a dog can wander around a classroom wanting nothing more than to be petted and hugged. Emma is not good at tricks (rolling over, fetching, barking on command or performing any kind of smart-dog trick). What she is is a regular-type dog, not the smartest, not the dumbest, but perfect at being herself. For that reason she is lovable. I think this is a pretty profound message for some of the children we work with.

Linda Greensfelder

I believe that teaching kids about kindness is just as important as reading, writing and arithmetic. Children who are kind are able to better deal with the bad things in life as they have the self-esteem to help them weather the storm. As our everyday life becomes more and more complex, we need to be able to share with young people how important it is to take a stand about what they believe in. The Humane Society Program is able to reach out to children and get them to believe in themselves and their good judgement about what is right and wrong. If they feel that an animal is being mistreated, they are learning how to help it and do the right thing by making sure an adult can help the animal. I think it is a wonderful program that should continue for years to come...

Harriet Kuhn, DCPS School Psychologist

What Students are Saying about ...

I would like my class to be a part of the Humane Society next year. Thank you for sharing your time with us. I know it has not been easy. It has been a great experience for me. I might consider being a pet owner. Brian

The visits helped me to learn about dogs. And what most dogs need in life. And to just help me learn about taking responsibility for a dog. And just to help me out because I’m getting a dog soon. Amber

I liked the dogs visiting our classroom because usually dogs don’t visit classrooms. I also liked the dog visiting because I got to know the dogs better and I got to know them with my classmates and teacher. Ambria

I do not have a cat or dog. I got the benefit of seeing a dog in our school (classroom). Walter

It helped me learn how to take care of my dog, and it helped some people learn how to approach a dog. It also helped some people face their fears. Jayla

One day I went with my parents to adopt my dog, Justin. I think my dog is scared of my rabbit. Justin loves to cuddle up with people and he gets in my sister’s bed because she has lots of bears. Darron

Article from Winter 2003 Scoop on Why I Volunteer – Diane Shust and Fred

How can you and your dog learn more about participating in SPEAK (Sharing Positive Experiences – Animals & Kids)?