Despite the lovely British weather, we had a great time over May half-term.
The children and young people helped look after the rescue animals by cleaning kennels and rabbit pens, growing herbs and grass seed, and experiencing exclusive animal interactions.
During the session we focused on how a pet will use their body language to communicate how they are feeling and pet nutrition.
We looked at the diets of rabbits and guineapigs, as well as how the age, breed, and health of a pet can affect what food they should be fed.
Animal Encounters
For our dog meets, the children either met ex-shelter residents Hugo, Bernie, and Mabel, or current resident Eddie.
During their session they had the opportunity to meet one of the dogs and then set up lots of scent games and enrichment items for them. This included hiding treats amongst towels, egg boxes, cones, snuffle mats, treat balls and puzzles feeders.
As you can see Hugo took took his treat hunt very seriously!
The children also met either Pepper or partook in kitten socialisation with Wilma, Betty, and Bamm-Bamm.
While we interacted with the cats, we discussed feline body language and how they communicate to us how they are feeling, as well as safe areas to stroke a cat.
The sessions were a great opportunity to socialise the kittens and get them used to people of different ages and not in shelter uniform!
For our rabbit interaction the children met shelter residents Frazzle and Niknak, Harry, Domino, Wynter, and Marv.
They sat in their pens to feed them tasty herbs, and gave the confident rabbits a stroke. We learned about correct rabbit handling.
Sessions for Young Adults!
One of our sessions was aimed exclusively for secondary school students. During the session, the young people helped clean out small animal pens, assisted with planting herbs for the small animals, and met our rescue animals. During the session the young people learnt about dog training tips.
For our dog section of the session, we discussed the basics of training. Firstly, we looked at how dogs will use body language to tell us if they are confused of what we are asking of them, or if they need a break. This is through calming signals, which are signals a dog will use if they are stressed or confused. Common signs include lip licking, yawning, scratching, and sniffing the ground excessively.
We also looked at positive reinforcement. This is using reward to motivate our dogs to learn through treats, toys, or praise. This increases the likelihood of behaviours being repeated and enables the dog to enjoy their training sessions.
Nutrition
During the sessions we learnt about pet nutrition. We looked at how our pet’s age, breed, and health should be considered when selecting an appropriate food.
We then looked at case studies where the children would discuss what food they thought they should be fed. For example, we had a 17-year-old cat, in need of senior food, and an obese pug who was paired with the light food.
Prior to herb potting, we talked about the dietary needs for rabbits. We discussed foods that rabbits eat, and what makes up their diets.
Success story: Jasper
Those who have attended our sessions regularly this academic year would have become familiar with Jasper (previously Master) a 5-year-old ex-racing greyhound.
Jasper loves people and other dogs (particularly the lady grey hounds!) Due to his social nature, he took part in lots of our sessions and projects. We are delighted to inform you all that Jasper is now in his forever home!
We have had a lovely update from Jasper’s owner in his new home:
‘He’s started to settle now as we’re building a routine, everyone loved him at the pub, and he has been loving local parks, he’s incredibly interested in everything.’
On behalf of Jasper, we would like to thank all the children and young people who interacted with him during his stay. This improved his time with us, providing him with extra human companionship and taught him important life skills, such as not jumping up when greeting people. These skills will help him in his new home.
Success story: Albus
We are also delighted to announce Albus the cat has also gone to his fur-ever home! Albus was a VERY friendly cat who came to us in February 2025. Following a social media promotion for his birthday in May, Albus found his new family.
While Albus was with us he took part in our Easter sessions to provide him with extra human company! All Albus wanted was to be around people, so this really improved his stay with us. He enjoyed meeting the children and became a firm favourite among the young people too.
Throughout May half-term attendees were asking after Albus, so we are sure those who attended during the Easter break will be pleased to hear he has landed on his paws.
Our Animal Experience Days run every school holiday except over the Christmas period. They offer children and young people aged 5-16 a unique opportunity to learn about responsible pet ownership and safety in a fun, relaxed environment.
For more information and to join our mailing list for the sessions please visit our Animal Days page.
