The Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS) is excited to announce the addition of animal behaviour classes for children ages seven to 12 to its fundraising programs, which are vital to supporting the shelter’s work in the community.
“It’s a brand-new program to teach children all about animal behaviour,” explained Donna Fritzke, the MJHS fundraising co-ordinator. “Because we want to educate children in our community to be responsible toward their pets, and also just safer and more confident in general with animals.
“I think we often take for granted that kids just understand when an animal is in distress, and often even adults don’t know that, or what to look for. So, this is an entire program that’s been developed to help children increase their abilities to communicate with and care for animals.”
The program will be held at the MJHS from 6 to 8 p.m., once a week for four weeks. The cost is $100 per child. The program includes games, activities, and crafts, and each child will receive a book on how to take care of animals.
The dates for children aged seven to nine are May 8, 15, 22, and 29.
For children aged 10 to 12, the program will run June 5, 12, 19, 26.
Registration for the May program is now open and will close April 24 or when capacity is reached. A minimum of seven children are needed, and the classes can handle up to a maximum of 15. Depending on interest, the Humane Society may add classes in the summer.
Register by calling the shelter at 306-692-1517.
Children will learn:
- Animal body language
- How to behave around animals, including strange dogs
- The needs of animals
- How to play safely and respectfully with animals
- How to be a responsible pet owner
- What the Moose Jaw Humane Society does
The shelter is also continuing with their traditional fundraisers, including the $10,000 4 Paws Lottery, their bookstore, and selling colouring books, hoodies, and shirts. Businesses around the community help the MJHS to fundraise, including DDK Pets, which sells snuffle mats, and books sold at:
- Starlight Handmade Market
- Monkeybars Indoor Playcentre
- With These Hands
- The Wandering Market
“Last year, we look after over 1,000 animals,” Fritzke said. “And that’s not only, you know, taking in strays and caring for them and finding them homes, it’s about the people in the community and the families in our community.
“Reuniting pets with their families is one of the most amazing experiences, because people come in or call and they’re so anxious because their pet is missing. And we can help them, especially if they’re microchipped, to go home right away and to bring that family back together.”
4 Paws Lottery
The lottery began April 10 and will draw four $500 prizes on July 10, 11, 12, and 13. The Grand Prize of $10,000 will be drawn July 14.
Tickets are 1 for $20, 3 for $50, and 5 for $75.
Purchase by e-transfer to giving@mjhs.ca, by calling the MJHS at 306-692-1517, or stop in at the shelter. The $500 cash prizes are sponsored by Ashdown's Furniture & Interiors, Devo's Carwash, Starlight Handmade Market, and Leipert Financial.
The $10,000 cash prize sponsors are Cypress Paving, Remax Moose Jaw, Pet Valu Moose Jaw, Family Pizza, Farm Valley & Ranch Supplies, Nissan Moose Jaw, Knight Hyundai, Knight Ford, and Knight Honda.
