On April 14, 2023, Sandhills Farm Life’s 4th grade students showed their love of animals by participating in the Pet Responsibility Program’s Lesson #6 or Assembly. Several parents attended, as well as Principal Julie MacPherson and Guidance Counselor Rebecca Tyson. Students showed their knowledge of what they’d learned thru the five “I Can” statements and earned a surprise gift for answering correctly.
Speuter, the PRC mascot, was introduced and read a poem describing the life of a stray dog and a happy ending, after it was rescued.
Students then paid attention to dog trainer Neil Copeland’s demonstration of teaching the 5 basic commands to our dogs – Come, Sit, Stay, Heel, and Down. Neil’s teaching partner was PRC volunteer Liz Surface’s therapy dog, Elmer. Neil answered many questions from the students about his business of training security and detection dogs for various venues, such as athletic stadiums, race-car tracks and concert stadiums. He’s trained family hunting dogs, as well as dogs for military and government agencies. He’s also helped families correct their pets’ unwanted behaviors.
Several students participated in a Speuter story-writing contest, describing the benefits of spay & neuter to control pet overpopulation in Moore County. Winners of the Speuter Contest were Jackson R., donating his Spay/Neuter voucher to his grandmother for her dog Chloe; Natalie D., for her dog Minnow; and Aubree F., for her cat Sammy. Garren S. was given an award for creating two terrific posters for the Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic! Photos of his posters can be seen in the slide show below. His Spay/Neuter voucher will be donated to another family with a need. Congratulations to the winners for taking the time to write great stories and advocate for pets!
The words of the Promise Poster were read and students responded with “I Promise”, signifying their commitment to being Advocates for all animals. The poster was signed by the students and will be displayed in the Sandhills Farm Life School.
The Pet Responsibility Committee (PRC) looks forward to the Sandhills Farm Life students joining them in making life better for the pets in Moore County!
