Heading back to school is an exciting, although anxious, time for many. For us, a dozen canines in our care had their own back-to-school jitters as we transported them to Northwestern Polytechnic in Fairview this fall. The 12 dogs are spending time with the students in the Animal Sciences program, a partnership that helps us, the college and, of course, the animals.
A key component of this field trip for the dogs is some much-needed behavioural training. These dogs, like so many that come into our care, came from circumstances where they did not have much interaction with people.
And unfortunately, when a dog’s social skills are lacking, especially large breed dogs, it’s difficult to place them with a sheltering partner to be rehomed. While these dogs are up north, the students in the Veterinary Technology Program are working on some of the basics such as walking on a leash and obedience training through positive reinforcement.
Another aspect of the back-to-school journey involves health care for the animals. Some of the dogs will receive spay or neuter surgeries in the second semester of classes, as well as some other basic health care. This provides hands-on learning opportunities for the college students while ensuring the animals receive important veterinary care at a substantial cost saving to our organization.
The college students from Northwestern Polytechnic will eventually graduate and work in veterinary clinics across the province, and we are thrilled we can assist in their education in this small way. The dogs too, will complete their studies, and while they will not receive a diploma, their new life skills will serve them well as they move on to live their best lives with new families.
