Humane EDUCATION: Why I Volunteer for WHS

NEWS FROM THE WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY
The Scoop
Vol 21 NO. 3 - FALL 2003

Diane Shust and her longtime companion, Fred, are waiting to find out if they’ll be in fourth grade again this year or move on to fifth. Their placement is not based on academics, however. You see, Fred is a dog and Dianeis a volunteer with the WHS humane education program, SPEAK (Sharing, Positive Experiences – Animals & Kids).

The 9-year-old shaggy terrier mix is known in his neighborhood park as the friendliest dog around. He is a natural for SPEAK, which strives to teach kids about empathy and compassion towards animals many are completely unfamiliar with the family dog. In many of D.C.’s economically depressed neighborhoods, kids learn to the "backyard" dogs they see barking from behiind fences, or the pit bulls most kids have seen participating in street-corner fights. Fred and the 20 other well-loved dogs in the program show kids a different side. "Fred trusts everyone and kids can’t help but love him," says Director of Humane Education, Debbie Duel. "Fred is the first live animal many of the kids have ever formed a relationship with," Debbie says. "Once they learn to relate to him as an individual, they can learn to stretch that rapport and develop empathy towards other dogs and other animals." SPEAK is in its third year, and Fred and Diane have been volunteers since the beginning.

Diane, who is a former school teacher and public defender, takes a little time off every other week from her current job with the National Education Association (NEA) to visit with D.C. students. In answer to one of the most frequently asked questions, Where did you get your dog? Diane explains how she and her daughter were walking their other dog in the park and came upon a skinny, bedraggled stray who, after a week long stay at the District Animal Control Shelter, was not claimed. Seven days later Fred moved into Diane’s home. He eagerly responded to the love showered on him and was grateful for every morsel of food. Diane comically tells how innocent-looking Fred is a thieving chow-hound. She uses a bungee cord to secure her refrigerator. In fact, Diane has learned to keep just about everything edible out of Fred’s reach. She seriously recounts how Fred almost died after scarfing down a bottle of Motrin that he once pilfered from deep inside of Diane’s purse. Diane brings dog treats for the children to feed Fred. Of course, he happily eats each and every one. Students learn that the treats that they enjoy, however, like chocolate, can be fatal to dogs – any open packages and lunches must be hidden or Fred will expect his share.

The students always ask what Diane does with Fred while she is at work. Diane replies that Tom, the cat, likes to ride on Fred’s back, which seems to keep both animals entertained! A dog walker comes in and takes Fred out for a noontime jaunt. And, he looks forward to his bi-weekly school visit. Diane says he really likes traveling by car but is not a very good driver. One day, Diane had just finished filling up her tank and was paying for the gas at te service station window, when a woman said, "Now look at that, a dog driving the car." Fred was sitting in the driver’s seat, and the care was moving. Diane made a mad dash, opened the car door and pulled up the emergency brake. Fred has been content to remain a passenger ever since. Diane says Fred loves just about everything and everyone but has a strong dislike for the sand! She shows pictures of Fred at the beach with his dog buddy, rufus. Fred likes to watch people from a park bench or the boardwalk, and leaves to sun worshiping to others.

Diane believes in humane education and the premise that children will learn to care about animals by getting to know dogs like Fred. And the SPEAK relationship is great for everyone. Says Diane, "Fred is a very social dog – being with people is his favorite activity. He gets a great deal of attention, pats on the head and love from the kids. He knows when we get close to the school – his tail ways and he would walk right up the stairs to the class alone if given the opportunity."Ross Elementary School’s fourth grade teacher Noelle Castin says that her class "responded well to Fred and Diane last year. They enjoyed learning about Fred’s schedule, feeding him treats, and what it takes to care for a dog at home. Those who were a little hesitant in the beginning warmed up to Fred with each visit he made to the class. Diane was a great help because she was willing to answer any type of question about Fred, share pictures with us and she continues to donate her time to our students."

For more information on how you and your dog can be a part of SPEAK, please contact Debbie Duel at 202/723-5730 ext. 350 or email debbie.d@washhumane.org. Many area employers give time off for volunteer projects, and maybe your dog would like to join Fred in being a canine ambassador!

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